It's been a while since I stopped by AM3. It's been a long ride since the last post, and many of life's unexpected "curve balls" were thrown. But there is an image that was taken over this past summer of me and my daughter that I just had to post. You see, there is nothing in this world that gives me more joy than to find joy in my daughter's life. It uplifts. It brings meaning. It strengthens. And it gives purpose. This capture is one that reminds me of these things.
There are much in this world that I could not fathom...and maybe never will. But as a father, I often wonder how people in this world could possibly hurt young children and take such joy from such innocence. I had mentioned in my p-blog here at Aminus3 a while back that my daughter, Caeshia Evangeline, is one of the most precious things in this life. She taught me the meaning of "unselfish" Love...Love without condition...Love that gives without wanting return...Love that sacrifices. In some circles, they call it "agape love". There are times when my daughter can be bratty, as any child could, and I have to be the stern parent that I need to be, but in the end she always has a welcoming warmth in my arms. And I realize that as I learn of this Love, I am often challenged with the question of how much of that Love am I willing to give to my daughter. And without question, in an instant and a heartbeat, I answer myself: "until death." I have come to realize that the greatest part of our short time here on this Earth is to give Love...and as a parent, I truly believe that it is our divine duty to fulfill that specifically to our children. We are all Transients here in this current reality...our time is set...it's clocked - dare I say - predetermined. "Every breath we take takes us closer to our last 'Amen'" as one song writer puts it. And how true. So while I still have breath to take, I am reminded of my duty as a father...and that is to give, and to give this Love to my Princess unconditionally, with the hope that one day, she, too, understands this beauty of Love called "agape."
This picture was taken during the summer of 2009 in San Diego. A portrait of the joy shared between us...and for me a reminder of why it is so important that I continue to provide Love to my daughter, unconditionally. She is truly a gift. A seraphim of life. My Princess. And is truly precious.
May all of you find joy in your lives as you give Love unconditionally.
Te amo mucho, 'lil Niña. Te echo de menos. - Daddy
Cheers'nBlessings,
{H}
NIKON D700
1/1000 second
F/3.2
ISO 400
24 mm (35mm equiv.)