My oldest daughter Alia is going to turn 13 years old in a few months.  I always tell her how proud I am of her, and what an exciting time it is for her to become a teenager.  She overheard me talking to my girlfriend Becky about how they are growing up so fast, and how I want to make sure I am as perfect a father as I can be.  I don't want to look back and regret not having done the right thing by them.  The other night, I was working in my home office, and Alia knocked on the door.  She asked if she could read something to me.  I dimmed my computer and went with her into the den where we could talk.  This is what she read me...

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING by Alia Rogers

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you rock me when I was tired,
and I knew you loved me.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I watched you till I fell asleep,
and I loved you from that moment on.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you laughing at my dumb jokes,
and I knew you didn't want to hurt my feelings.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I was watching you dad,
and I want to thank you for all the things you have done for me,
when you thought I wasn't looking...


Needless to say, just like right now, I had tears falling down my cheek, and really didn't know what to say to her but that I love her so much and that I am the luckiest dad in the world.  My little girl is becoming a young lady, and I will worry some, but also can see how she is a chip off the old block.    I am going to have her poem framed, and hang it on my office wall where I can be reminded that for as much love that I give, I get it back ten fold.  


My continued prayers to my friends Katti,  Lil,  Chas, Chelsea, Dawn, and Shell

To my friends and watchers I wish you a wonderful and prosperous week ahead...