Something happened a few weeks ago. I’m not going to go too far into it, but
suffice it to say, due to the actions of someone who I don’t even know, this
will be the last post of Little Painted Nails.
After 8 years and a few hundred posts, it’s time to put the
baby to bed. Admittedly, it’s sad for
me. This was a passion project and to walk away from it under weird
circumstances feels a little empty. I
would normally have gone a little more grandiose. A big Ang Lee ending with explosions and
doves flying out. That being said, this wasn’t a snap decision. I thought about it and I think it’s time to
go.
I think it would be best to enjoy the time I had with it as
opposed to bemoaning how it ended.
Over the years I’ve been doing this there have been diaper
changes and soccer games and training wheels.
There have been tee shots and basketball games and hot sauce
challenges. We’ve dealt with illness and
injury and loss. In the end there were laughs and struggles and tears and
love.
The website has had well over 100 thousand views and (for
the most part) the comments have been kind and supportive. I really appreciate
everyone who took the time to blow off work for five or ten minutes here and
there to read my ramblings.
The idea of giving my girls life lessons through funny stories and weird experiences has proven to be a good one. They seem to have liked it and I have received a ton of feedback from other dads who have taken my words to heart and even a couple who have said they are doing something similar now for their little ones. People who have read this over the last half dozen years, I appreciate it, I truly do, and feel free to reach out if the conclusion here seems abrupt. I’m happy to share the back story and I think you’ll understand why I A) won’t discuss it here and B) have chosen to close up this particular shop. I will probably do something else in the future, but this iteration of my writing has run its course.
I think I should also offer a brief “Thank You” to my wife,
and by extension, my family. My wife has
always been supportive of this project even in times where it was a little
invasive when our proverbial curtain got pulled back a little bit. There were times when it was
collaborative. When I needed reeling
in. When I was just wrong.
She, as always, has been my rock and my best friend.
To the girls, I hope you read this in its entirety one day
and think to yourselves “Man, my old man was a goof, but he really cared”, or
at least that I gave you a few ideas before my senility really kicked in.
I suppose I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t give you some parting
advice from this blog.
For that I would say, strive for happiness. We don’t know how long we get to screw around
on this blue marble. It doesn’t make
sense not to enjoy the time you have.
Be Compassionate.
Being kind has a way of finding its way back to you. We all are climbing uphill against something.
Be a foothold and not a loose stone for
someone. They’ll recognize it most of
the time, trust me.
Be Present. In the world of cell phones and schoolwork, it’s easy to become a touch of an island of yourself. There’s a quote from a great philosopher from my youth
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” F. Bueller.
I’d hate for you to miss something great because you were posting something on Tik Tok. Try your best to live in the “now”. It’ll offer you a lot more experiences than SnapTok or TweetBook ever will.
Be Healthy. I don’t
know what happens after we shed our mortal coil, but I know while you’re hanging
out on the blue marble, you only get one vehicle. This body of ours needs upkeep. Get up, move, dance, run, play sports, travel,
explore, eat strange foods, get underwater, compete, laugh, love, hug, it’ll
all do that shell of yours some good. The
way I see it, it’s better to be able to run a mile or lift a ton and not need
it than the other way around.
Remember who you are and where you came from. You have a big, wonderful family who loves
you very much. Your mom and dad, even
when it doesn’t seem it, puts you first when we make decisions. We want nothing more than for you to grow up
and be happy, healthy, kind young women.
So, when it seems we are being a couple of hard asses, consider, while
we love being your parents and your friends, we are your parents first. Your grandparents and aunts and uncles love
you very much. Sometimes distance gets
in the way, but they think of you often.
Most of all, despite the occasional fight and snide remark, the three of
you are the greatest friends each of you will ever have. They will be your shoulder to cry on and your
comic relief. Don’t take those
relationships lightly. Hug often and
apologize easily. Winning an argument
isn’t always winning and losing one can be the best winning you can do.
Finally, remember, your dad loves you. You are the best thing to ever happen to
me. To be someone’s greatest thing is an
honor, and you are just that. Nothing has
made this life more worth living than you three and your mother. We all have our shortcomings, for sure, but
know that, despite anything you have fallen short on, you have made one chubby
old man’s life impossibly good. You’ve
given me joy that I couldn’t have imagined before I got married. Thank you, little ladies, for all you have
given me. I love you very much.
