It’s a Girl!
This isn’t a rule, it’s more of a declaration. I attended my first “gender reveal” with my son Andrew and his wife Ashleigh, and sometime late this summer the world will welcome my first grandchild. We now know with certainty—she will be a she.
“She” is a powerful word in our families. While many families have remarkable women, the Hill family has a long history of fiercely independent, strong-willed women. Women who don’t take crap from anyone, who call life exactly as they see it, and who meet every challenge head-on.
These women can be difficult. They’re opinionated, demanding, and set high expectations for themselves and everyone around them. They can wear you out, taking every ounce of patience you have. And yes, there will be moments you’ll want to throw up your hands and walk away.
But Andrew, don’t.
Because in that long line of challenging women—your mother, wife, stepmother, grandmother, aunts, and sisters—you’ll also find loyalty beyond measure. These are women who will stand by you whether you’re in a financial crisis or a bar fight. They know how to swing a pool cue, and they’ll always have your back.
These are women who don’t need you to solve everything—they’ll grab a shovel and help you dig, then hand you the alibi. (Bobbi knows where all the bodies are buried.)
Most of all, these are women who love with their souls, not just their hearts. I know because my daughters have given me that kind of love—the certainty that I am loved completely. It is one of the great gifts of my life.
Andrew, your daughter will need you. She will need you to teach her never to settle, never to be defined by her gender or by anyone else’s expectations. She’ll tell you she can handle anything, but she’ll still need your reassurance, your hug, your steady presence to remind her that everything will be okay.
You will cry when she falls and cheer when she rises. You will be called to be strong and confident, tender and tough. It won’t always be easy, but the rewards will surpass anything you can imagine. Watching your daughter grow into a confident (and yes, sometimes difficult) young woman will be the defining privilege of your life.
She will bring you to your knees—and lift your soul to heaven.
So enjoy it, Andrew. Every smile, every tear, every heartbreak and every triumph. Being a father to one of these women is a blessing beyond all others. It will be the ride of your life. Hang on tight, and savor it all.
Love, Dad