A 16th Birthday

A hot and humid day at Six Flags with eight 16 year old girls and one 50 year old Dad. The original plan was that Michelle and I would take them, together, back in July as part of Lizzy's 16th birthday celebration. However the weather didn't cooperate and the idea of spending a day at Great Adventure in a torrential downpour didn't appeal to us. When we rescheduled, Michelle found it impossible to take the day off, so here I am.



Because I love a good roller coaster, I decided to tag along most of the day. Despite my best efforts though, they refuse to be embarrassed by me. As we stand in lines, often 60 - 90 minute waits in the hot sun, they give me high fives, occassionally include me in conversation, and generally make me feel a part of the group. However, when the spinning rides come up, I elect to sit them out (for the benefit of those that would end up in front, or below me). Now I have a chance to do some real "Daddy Damage". I wave to my daughter as if she were a toddler on her first carousel ride. Obviously this will cause her to hang her head and turn red with embarrassment. As Liz, as well as her friends, wave back and shout out an occassional "I love you Daddy", I realize that I must have missed school the day Daddy Embarrassment 101 was taught.



It's now late in the day and I've decided that I've had enough of the rides. We set up a meeting location and I give them a couple of hours to roam. They go off for some more excitement while I head off for some relaxation and writing. While sipping a cup of coffee in the Cyber Cafe, I noticed some computers with internet connection so I decided to go on and post it on-site. As I write this I once again realize that I have been blessed with a great daughter who has surrounded herself with equally great friends,

Now the only thing left to do was to load the eight of them in the large rented passenger van, and head for home. Hmmm... I hope Michelle has a glass of wine waiting for me after all.

Say a prayer for somebody today.