Quote of the day: "It is a wise father that knows his own child."- William Shakespeare

     I have two daughters; Roselynn who is three, and Cheyenne, who is two, are two of my most cherished pieces of life. They both have blonde hair and blue eyes, and are so beautiful that you have to look at them a second time, just to make sure that your first reaction was correct. They can look strikingly similar at times, but I don't think I would mistake one for the other at any distance. They are as gorgeous as God's creatures can be, and I love them to no end.

     When I talk about them, I am proud to have them in my life, and my longing to see and spend time with them is apparent. I will love them and be there for them forever. I am their father, they love me, and they already trust more than anyone (except Mommy), evidenced by the fact that they will dive off of the couch or out of my arms, knowing that I will catch them, and nothing bad will happen to them.

     There is a dilemma, however, in talking about them. I am their father; my daughters call me 'Daddy,' and I will be responsible for them as they grow. I am not their biological father, though. I met Rosie and Chey-Chey's mother, Becky, when they were 22 months and 5 months, respectively, and I have been in their lives since. Though Becky and I are no longer together, we remain friends and parents. The dilemma, as I have said, is in talking about them.

     I talk about my daughters because I love them, as any parent would, but I sometimes feel like I should point out that I am not their biological father. It has nothing to do with trying to get a pat on the back or anything of the sort, but it seems people react to a man with two daughters, who is not married to or with their mother, as somehow being less of a father. They act like I must feel burdened, even that I made some type of mistake that I'm "owning up" to. I feel like I need them to know that I am responsible for them because I love them, and that they deserve a father who will be with them for as long as his life lets him, and will continue to love them for far longer. Maybe I don't need to say anything, but I feel like everyone should know that I love my daughters completely, without cause or consequence.

     That being said, GOD I love my little girls. I miss them every moment, and when I get to see them once or twice a week, it's just the best thing in the world. They are the funniest, goofiest little girls, and God are they beautiful. I just hope I can be who they deserve.