Dear Karis…

by Phil Cross
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Karis,

Easter 2012

My Girls

One day you’re going to look back on this and realize I wrote my first letter to your big sister shortly after she was born.  You’re then going to see that this letter is coming a few weeks later.  All I can say is, ‘I’m sorry.’  Life, you see, has been a bit busy lately.

Just because you’re my second daughter doesn’t mean you are going to come second.  I’m not sure how it all works yet, but I know I’m going to do everything I can to make sure you and your sister are treated equally.  Still, I can already tell that you and your sister are different.

The first difference between you and your sister is you are more of a cuddler.  Maybe it has everything to do with the fact that we were able to hold you the first week of your life because you didn’t need light therapy.  Maybe that’s just you.  I just know that your mommy is very excited to get a cuddler.

These days I go to work with a different attitude than I did when I first got into my career.  You see, right now I’m a TV news reporter.  I’m not sure that TV news will exist in its current format when you are able to read this or not.  The industry is changing rapidly.  I’m not even sure if I’ll still be where I’m at now by the time you’re able to read this.  All I know is that right now I am working to make the world a better place for you.  I don’t know if I’m making any bit of difference, but I do know there are people who say I’ve helped them.

In reality, I want you to be proud of me.  I know I will be proud of you and your sister.  I want to make sure that I set an example that you will be able to follow.  Not to follow in my footsteps…I will discourage you from getting into the TV biz, but that’s just for your own good.  I want you to be able to follow an example of honesty and integrity.  I want you to be someone who will stand up for what’s right, even when it’s not popular.  I want you to grow into a woman who will defend honor and promote humanity.  Lofty goals.  I know I expect a lot from you, but if you’re going to change the world you will need to aim high.

As I watch you sleep in your crib, it’s hard to imagine this tiny baby girl will one day be on her own.  Still, it will happen.  I hope you’ll forgive me for the times I over react…be patient with me as I learn the ropes of being a dad of two girls…and be kind when you are a teenager with hormones.  You’ll know what I mean one of these days.

Love,

Daddy

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