Message to my Daughter on her Bat Mitzvah…
06. Feb, 2010 
20 Comments
Niki… you are my precious gift, a light that lives in my life always. I walk around every day still feeling the weight of your adorable little body clinging to my shoulders, sitting in my lap, and holding my hand. I think you spent more time on my shoulders and in my lap than in your stroller. I treasure those days.
No one can see the future or know what it holds but I could not have dreamt about a daughter who could have made me feel more special as she grew up. The way you used to insist on running down the stairs and jumping in to my arms every time I dropped you off at your moms before I could leave… it was ritual and we never missed a chance. If I could have chosen a daughter I know in my heart I would have reached out for you, wished for your quick wit and dreamed of your SPIRIT and STYLE. I’d have hoped for your love and affection, as I do now, imagined your beautiful smile, and looked out for your best interest… always.
Life isn’t days and years, it’s what you do with time and with all the goodness and grace that I know is inside you. Think for yourself, follow your heart, and make a beautiful life…the kind of life you deserve.
I am hoping you will always remember the thing most important by far… how much you are loved, how proud I am, always and no matter what, and how wonderfully special you are.
I love my girls not because everything in them is lovely and according to my liking, but because there is a real incomprehensible bond which is stronger than anything life can throw our way. I will always, always love you… no matter what.
You made me so proud today and I will hold that feeling in my heart, take it with me wherever I go, and cherish the memory.
Nothing can be regarded as valuable unless it is assessed in relation to something with a higher value. I love you Niki, with all my heart, and that will never change.
If I knew how to post a heart-shaped icon, I would.
Beautiful. She'll treasure this, although if I know you well enough, I'd guess you don't keep your heart wrapped tightly on most days
Your a great dad.
very beautiful, I'm glad I could take a glimpse into your life.
melinda (@lkwhtmomfound)
Thank you all. There was a direct message and something deeper meant for those who have an understanding of my life as a divorced Dad, and those who can read between the lines.
Really appreciate your comments
Mazel Tov – that was beautiful!
Mazel Tov! Children are so amazing and awesome.
Ted,
That was so beautiful and straight from the heart. I attended a Bat Mitzvah in Suffern yesterday and the speech given can't hold a candle to yours.
We live for our children and always want nothing but the best for them.
Again,
Mazel Tov!
XXOO
Mazel Tov Ted. You are a very special one of a kind man, father, friend, son, brother, etc.
I am lucky to have you in my life. Your daughters are especially lucky…..and at 45, I feel the same way about my dad that I am sure they will feel about you. XOXOOXOX
Ted, I knew you were something special. What a unique bond daughters have with there dads. This brought tears to my eyes as I am sure it did for your daughter. Never doubt that they know how you feel about them, but never stop telling them:) This was beautiful!
It's wonderful to see how much you treasure your children. May this gift of love that you give your daughter on her special day serve as an example to other fathers to lead their lives with open hearts and open arms, as you have so beautifully done here.
mazel tov, ted. wow. i have tears.
They truly mean so very much to be and I hope to be a positive influence in their lives.
Mazel Tov Ted! I send you my heartfelt thanks and a big hug for being a caring, loving father to both of your beautiful daughters. Mazel Tov! – Mauricio
They truly mean so very much to be and I hope to be a positive influence in their lives.
Mazel Tov! Children are so amazing and awesome.
First of all Mazal Tov to you and Niki… thank you for sharing yourself and your beautiful relationship with your daughter. It is not often that I read this depth and connectedness which reminds me of my connection to my father “Freddy” who I still miss everyday since he passed 11 years ago. May you have many more beautiful years together celebrating all the wonderful events to come in your life…. I cannot wait to read about each of them.
♥♥♥
LindaZ
Hi Ted,
I don’t know if you remember me, but I worked for Suzanne Parker in late 2007, beginning 2008. I happened to stumble upon the Post Article via the AOL link. Anyway, I just want to say, I am glad things are finally going your way, & that the judge is finally understanding.
Stay strong & good luck to you.
Best,
Helayn Cohen
Wow, Ted. As the father of a daughter and a recent Bar Mitzvah son thisnreally resonated!
Thanks for sharing.
Alan
Thank you for sharing Alan. Always helps to know people are reading and appreciating.
Thank you for sharing a wonderful and inspirational message ted..as a son, i’m so touched and realized how a important my father was..thank you!..God bless!