My daughter, Elizabeth is in kindergarten. Sitting down with her for her homework is fairly easy for me since most of it is letter and sound recognition. I am, however, seeing myself similar to where she is. I have only lived in Japan for about six months, so I am fairly illiterate when I am out in town. Recently, I have been recognizing more and more kanji and being able to put them together to make words and read the city names. It kind of put what she is learning right now into perspective for me. I really like having that time together with her everyday.
This past summer, my daughter played soccer. I really enjoyed watching her play. At first, she didn't really want to play. She was more than content chasing butterflies and looking for pill bugs in the dirt. But by the time the season was over, she was playing with the other kids. It was great seeing her mature and be able to understand the team mentality instead of just what she wanted.
I love watching her grow up and I am worried about my future in the Navy. I am on shore duty right now, so I get to come home every day and see her. If I go back to sea, I will be away from her for a long stretches of time. My wife and I have been thinking a lot about whether or not I will be staying in. I don't like to think of it as my decision only, because she also has to deal with my absence and moving around. Right now it looks like I will bet getting out and we will be moving home to Montana.
Whatever happens, whether I stay in or get out, I will still be able to spend time with Elizabeth. I will always love her and do whatever I can to take care of her.
Darin,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear that you may have to leave your daughter. It is tough on children and everyone else when one parent has to leave. I hope that you get to do something else that will keep you home. I also think it's great that you are learning another language with your daughter. I tried to learn German while I taught my two boys. Sadly, it came much easier to them. Thanks for sharing!