As a Runner, I Didn't Look Back. As a Dad, I Look Back Now and Then.

I remember my junior high track coach shouting at me "Don't look back!" as I ran races. When I first started running, back in 1976, I had a tendency to look back to see how far I was in front of the other runners. I learned not to do that and to simply focus on the distance remaining in front of me. However, as a parent for the past 27 years, I find that looking back occurs from time to time -- and that's not a bad thing.

It was 20 years ago this month that my second eldest daughter, Ashlin, started Kindergarten. She was wide-eyed and so excited as she sat there eagerly awaiting the teacher to begin class. She had her name tag, her hair pulled up in a red scrunchie, and a new box of crayons. She was nearing six years of age and I was a 35-year-old Dad working in the field of law.

Ashlin was happy to have me at her classroom for the start of her first day of school. I'll never forget her giving me a big hug with a broad smile, saying: "I'll be okay, Daddy. I love you." For any parent, that moment is significant. It's when a parent realizes that their child is indeed growing up and is beginning a new phase of life... one that isn't so sheltered by simply being at home, playing in the yard, and watching cartoons on television. The first day of school is the first day of stepping into the world without a parent within shouting distance.

No child understands the significance of such a moment until the time comes in life when they are a parent and are on the receiving end of such a hug, such a smile, such a step apart. Life is actually full of such moments. Graduations, relocations, weddings... they are all times of stepping away while at the same time stepping toward something else. Sometimes these moments are the result of necessary obligations and other times they are by direct choice.

My four children are all adults, blazing their paths on this big blue marble we call earth. They don't need me anymore, and I guess that's how God designed it to be. They're all capable of handling life without leaning on me for anything. Hopefully, in their hearts they'll always remember the good times, feel the love that their father has for them, and occasionally look back and, perhaps, smile.

I'll be okay, Ashlin. I love you.

From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past

My Lovely Daughters -- Jenna and Ashlin Staso

I am blessed to be the father of two lovely women who are blazing their own paths in life. Both have graduated from universities and have been in the professional working world for several years. We reside in different states and there are days when I truly feel more than just the miles separating us. Life is full or responsibilities, activities, and planning. Before we know it, days have turned into months, and months into years. Regardless of how much distance there is between us, or how much time goes by, I want both of my daughters to know that I love them deeply; that I'm proud of their accomplishments; that I'm honored to be their father; and, that I'll always be praying for them, missing them, cheering for them, and loving them with a truly special love that only a father can feel for his daughter. I recently read this poem and wanted to share it since it reflects so much of what my heart holds, and wishes, for my daughters.

What could I give you, to show that I care?
To open my heart and show what’s in there.
How can I tell you with more than mere words,
How I’m wrapped ’round your finger with invisible chords.
And what can I show you that you haven’t seen,
That displays how I love you and all that you mean.

If you run to the desert I would pray for you there,
Or climb the tall mountains to breathe the clear air.
Or sail across the oceans to far away lands,
To find worlds that you’ll conquer
With your own two hands.

Dream your best dreams, don’t leave anything out,
For your hopes and your dreams are what I'm praying about.
Look to the future to see where you'll go,
With faith, strength and courage, you'll get there…I know.
If the road is dark, God will set it alight,
And He'll always keep watch for you all through the night.

What would I tell you that would help you along,
I’d tell you your gift is your heart -- which is so strong.
I’d tell you again what I’ve told you before,
As much as I’ve loved you there is One who loves you more.
I would tell you to walk with His love as your guide,
And trust in His voice as it echoes inside.
What message I’d leave you, what lesson instill...
It would be that I love you,
And I always will.

I love you, Jenna and Ashlin. I always will.

From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past