My daughter just walked into the living room and said, “Dad, cancel my allowance immediately, rent my room out, throw all my clothes out of the window, take my TV, and stereo, and iPhone, and iPod, and my laptop. Please take all of my jewellery to the Salvation Army or Cash Converters. Then sell my new car, take my front door key away from me, and throw me out of the house. Then disown me and never talk to me again. And don’t forget to write me out of your will and leave my share to my brother.”
Well, she didn’t put it quite like that… she actually said…
“Dad, this is my new boyfriend, Jared. We’re getting married next month, and I need you to start helping with the wedding plans. I know I haven’t asked much of you, but I need your full support now. By the way, you’re going to love Jared. He’s a great guy, a real winner.”
I was in total shock. Not only did I not see a wedding coming, but I had no idea she was even dating anyone seriously. Jared seemed pleasant enough, but I couldn’t help but wonder if I was ready for such a big change in our family dynamics. The thought of my daughter moving out, marrying, and starting a new chapter of her life hit me like a freight train.
“Wait a minute,” I said, trying to steady my racing heart. “So, this isn’t about me disowning you and selling all your stuff? You’re telling me that you just came here to introduce me to your fiancé, and you expect me to help with the wedding?” I must have looked like I had seen a ghost because she quickly added, “Oh, no, no. Sorry, Dad. I just wanted to get your attention. Jared and I have been talking about our future, and we wanted to make sure you’re onboard.”
I looked at Jared, who was standing nervously by the door, and then back at my daughter. Her face was glowing, full of hope and excitement. And for the first time in what seemed like forever, I realized she wasn’t the little girl I once knew. She was a grown woman, ready to make her own decisions and take on the world. I sighed, a mix of emotions swirling inside me.
“Alright,” I said finally, with a smile. “Let’s talk about this wedding. I think it’s about time I met Jared properly.”