I wrote this in 2012 when my boy, Evander, was just 6 years old. It seems lately that I find myself nostalgic. These days Angela and I find ourselves in a position where we must have discussions with him that we never imagined at the young age of 12. I miss these days, but I hope that we’ve given him the courage to dance for the rest of his life.I am a proud daddy; tonight my boy danced.
It’s a long story, but one worth sharing, at least to me.
Tonight we went to a wedding. It was the kind of country affair that I love. Good people, good food, and good country music. I like country folk, they tend to be comfortable in the own skins and they tend to be less afraid to dance.
The band was great, playing all of the classic country that we all know and that makes the toes tap regardless of our dancing prowess. As many of you know, Ang and I love to dance, and tonight we danced.
Our boy, Evander, who is six years old watched us dance. And watched. And watched. Finally I nudged him and told him, in a very conspiratorial fashion, that he should ask his Momma to dance. “Well, Dad” he said, “I think that girl over there wants to dance with me.” I chuckled. “Oh yea? How do you know?”“Well, she keeps looking over at me,” he said.
“Ahhh”, I said in my most knowing fatherly manner, “So what are you going to do?” I asked.
“I think I’m going to ask her to dance…do you think that would be ok?”
“You betcha, Son. Have fun.” And with that he simply got up and headed her way. He stopped once and glanced back at me and his mom, and seeing nods of assurance, he went on.
The conversation between two six year olds was longer than you’d expect, and I don’t know what all was said, the music was too loud. After a few moments the girl purposely walked away, and my boy stood there alone. He didn’t seem upset, just…at ease. I, of course, was worried about him so I waved him over. “What did she say?” I asked.
“She said she had to ask her Daddy,” he said in a most matter of fact way. “Oh. Good girl,” I replied (I also have a 4 year old girl). Soon she returned and off they went to dance.
He dances a lot like his daddy, a little awkward but with a certain confidence that I hope others see too. He even spun her a few times. Both had a ball. Both danced.
After his dance he came back over and wanted to sit on Mom’s lap. They cuddled and whispered. I don’t know what was said, but I know it was good stuff and just the safe place that a young boy needs after feeling so vulnerable. Later as Mom and I danced, he watched…until it was time to go dance with his new friend again.
They danced a few more times this evening. I couldn’t have been any prouder.
You see, we’ve made a daily choice to teach our children that the only way to guarantee failure is to not try. We labor to teach them that bravery isn’t about not being scared; it’s about doing the right thing even when you are scared.
Tonight my boy tried. Tonight my boy was brave. Tonight my boy danced. Someday my boy will move mountains.
He’s a good boy, and he’s going to grow up to be a good man.
Tonight I’m a proud daddy.
Stacey Davis
15 years of real experience helping people change the way they eat to meet their goals. Stacey has actually prepared every speciality diet we discuss through the Meal Delivery Business that he co-founded with Angela. He is an Engineer, Entrepreneur, Home Brewer, Beekeeper and a Darn Good Cook.
