Daddy’s Little Girls

 

Daddy’s Little Girls

By Bill Conley

There are three words that will always melt my heart,
Daddy’s little girls.

Once upon a time, three tiny angels changed my world forever. They came with laughter in their hearts, sparkle in their eyes, and joy that filled every corner of my life. Their little hands clung to mine, their voices danced through the house, and their smiles, oh, their smiles, could light up any room they entered.

When they were little, our home was a world of pure imagination. They’d dress up in frilly dresses, shiny party shoes, and dance costumes that shimmered under the living room light. Their curls bounced as they twirled across the floor, spinning and laughing, lost in the magic of the moment. The house was filled with joy, happiness, and laughter, music played, feet tapped, and the world outside simply disappeared.

There were stuffed animals in every corner, and more than one doll who had her own special place at the dinner table. I can still hear the sound of giggles echoing down the hall, the kind of laughter so pure it wrapped itself around your heart and stayed there forever.

At night, instead of reading from a book, I’d make up my own stories, wonderful adventure tales about animals who learned lessons of courage, kindness, and friendship. There was always excitement, always imagination, and always a moral to the story. My girls would curl up close, eyes wide, hanging on every word. Sometimes they’d ask questions; sometimes they’d guess the ending before I got there. And every time, they’d say, “Tell us another one, Daddy!”

And I always did.

Those were the golden years, the days of dress-up boxes, giggling fits, and hugs that came out of nowhere. The days when scraped knees needed kisses, and bedtime meant one more story before the lights went out. I was their hero then, their comfort, their biggest fan. And truthfully, they were mine.

Time, though, has a way of moving faster than our hearts would like. My three little girls grew up. The curls are still there, but the bows have changed for careers, dreams, and lives of their own. They’ve become incredible young women, smart, kind, independent, and strong. Each one is different, yet each one is a reflection of the love we built together.

Still, when I close my eyes, I can see them as they were, spinning in their dance costumes, singing to the radio, laughing until they fell to the floor. I can still feel their tiny hands in mine, still hear their voices calling, “Daddy, watch this!” And every time I remember, I smile, because I did watch, and I still do.

They may be grown now, but they will forever live in my heart. The laughter, the joy, the stories, the dancing, they’re all still here, tucked safely in the quiet places of my soul.

I’ve loved them from the moment they arrived, and I’ll love them until the end of my days and beyond. Because no matter how old they get, no matter where life takes them, they will always be,
Daddy’s Little Girls.