The Middle

Have you ever known of oncoming tragedy, and been powerless to stop it?

The lyrics of Jimmy Eat World hit me today. I was reminded of that slow-but-fast transition between the innocence of a child and the reality of becoming an adult.

hey, don't write yourself off yet
it's only in your head you feel left out
or looked down on

Those days when we were aching for connection, yet isolated in the crowd. When yesterday's mistakes would no longer fade away. Failing confidence, awkward stares, and buried shame.

just try your best, try everything you can
and don't you worry what they tell themselves
when you're away

And I thought of what lies ahead for my daughter, who has the same kind of brain as her dad. The same biology that will betray her hopes and dreams and desires. Bring her great joy and creativity yet sabotage her best intentions and debilitate her in front of her peers.

it just takes some time, little girl
you're in the middle of the ride

I know there will be pain and heartbreak and betrayal and loneliness and it kills me that I can't protect her from it all.

But I can't. I know I can't. "Safety first" means a life not lived, and what are the ups without the downs?

So I can only prepare her for the ride, and show her that Daddy's here when she needs me.

everything, everything will be just fine
everything, everything will be all right, all right