The 28th Short Story
The Girls, Part 2: The Youngest Daughter
"The Girls, Part 2: The Youngest Daughter"
ANDY'S LESSONS FROM LIFE
My 28th Short Story
With this rendition of my life, you'll get a chance to learn more about Colleen, our youngest daughter. The front portion of this story is an introduction and is the same as provided with the first part of "The Girls" about our oldest daughter, Shannon, in my 27th Short Story. I hope you enjoy more of Andy's life experiences and the lessons that come with them.
"The Girls, Part 2: The Youngest Daughter"
“Raising children is one of the most important and challenging undertakings chosen by a grownup.”
--Andy Skrzynski
Couples face lots of very difficult choices in life, but few are more impactful than helping children learn the best way to deal with the world in which they live. More often than not, during the earliest stages of parenthood, unexpected mishaps confirm our ignorance in handling such endeavors. Fortunately, the amazing hugs, broad smiles, and joyful sparkles in our children’s eyes help us overcome those misgivings.
Around the time of my separation from my second wife in the mid-1980s, I concluded it was time to settle down a bit and entertain the thought of raising children. My dear friend, Bonnie, who still lived in Michigan at the time, had been divorced for a couple of years, and her daughters were still quite young.
Shannon, the oldest, was six, going on 12 in her mind. Colleen enjoyed the delightful world of a four-year-old to the fullest.
Before long, Bonnie and I began a long-distance relationship. During that interesting but trying period, while living 1200 miles apart, I would stop by Canton, Michigan on my flights back home to Texas. At that time, I was fulfilling my duties in transferring a project from IBM Kingston, New York to my homebase in Austin.
Bonnie and I always made the best of those weekend hops, playing with the girls in the park or out at the lake, while fitting in romantic flings after we tucked the girls into bed. Following a few bumps along the way, the relationships among the four of us blossomed quite well.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I wanted children, the little girls were thrilled at the thought of having a full-time daddy, and Bonnie didn’t mind a helping hand in raising two young kids.
So, within less than two years of developing our bonds, we got married, and “Our Family” set out on the adventure of our lifetimes. As would be expected, we had a few growing pains, while we tested each other and learned how best to live in some form of harmony. It was a grand time in my life, when I positively loved being a part of The Girls’ lives and them being part of mine.
With marriage plans in the making, I found a wedding band that symbolized my devotion to ALL three girls -- my beautiful wife, Shannon, and Colleen. The lovely trio would remain a significant part of my life until the day I died. That magnificent ring contained three sparkly diamonds, clustered side-by-side at the top of the golden halo around my finger -- the perfect reminder of my commitment.
"The Youngest Daughter"
Of the two girls, Colleen was the easiest to get along with by nature, during our earlier years together. She was always warm and loved to cuddle.
Whenever I’d sit at the dinner table or on the couch, she often crawled onto my lap and let me hold her. Sometimes, I’d brush her hair, or she would simply curl up and remain content to sit with me for quite some time, before one of us decided it was time to do something else.
My back gave me lots of trouble during that period, when I was working long hours at IBM. I often plopped onto the carpeted floor while watching TV. Most times, Colleen would lie down in front of me, and I wrapped my arm around her as we enjoyed whatever program happened to be playing at that moment.
Instead of being one of those kids who demanded constant affection, she seemed to thrive by snuggling up to me and letting me shower attention her way. It wasn’t like she needed it, she just seemed comforted to know that you loved her.
If Bonnie and I were busy and couldn’t spend time with her at a given moment, she remained quite content. Our little girl would play in a delightful world of her own making. She'd dress up her Barbie dolls and play with them for a while, before moving on to her other toys or stuffed animals.
I couldn’t have hoped for a nicer child. She was the perfect little angel.
Of course, kids will be kids. One time, while all four of us were walking in our neighborhood of Gracy Woods in Austin, Texas, she pranced her way ahead of us. Before we knew it, she was running down a rather steep sidewalk, and her legs failed to keep up with her excited body. Down she tumbled and busted her palm wide open.
My heart plummeted, while she bawled with blood flowing down her hand and arm. Running as quickly as I could, I scooped her up and carried her back to the house as fast as I could sprint. We promptly rushed her to the emergency room and got her patched up, but my heart hurt like the dickens, knowing the pain she endured.
Despite a few scrapes and bruises, Colleen was one of those happy-go-lucky girls who enjoyed life to its fullest. She was always cheerful, and as she grew older and rode the bus to elementary school in 3rd and 4th grades.
Rarely, did she return home without at least one hilarious joke she heard from some of the other kids. She shared plenty of doozies with us.
Fortunately, they were all clean and didn’t leave us in shock. My favorite was “The Big Mouth Frog.”
Oh my, she relayed that funny story with the greatest expressions. Her mannerisms and punchlines were absolutely perfect and had us in tears while laughing so hard our guts ached by the end.
On a particularly glorious occasion, Colleen had drawn a picture for a Father’s Day gift. After carefully observing her creation, I looked at her message at the bottom. “To my Handsome Hero Daddy, I love you, Colleen.”
Wow! Smiling, I thought to myself, Handsome Hero Daddy! It doesn't get any better than that! In the blink of an eye, my heart melted into a pool of everlasting love.
I wrapped my arms around her and gave her the biggest hug ever. For weeks upon months, she called me Handsome Hero Daddy, and I gave her a nickname, dear to my heart. From that point on, I began calling her Colleeno. Our bond had always been great but leapt to a whole new level.
After I started driving Colleen to middle school, one of my most treasured rewards included receiving a kiss from Colleen, each and every time she left the car for school. Nothing refreshed our daily bond more than that dear little peck, before I watched her walk toward the school building. I’d sigh each time she disappeared into the doorway.
Everything remained heavenly until one day, while she was still in 6th grade, she started walking away without that special peck I had grown so accustomed to. “Colleen. Did you forget something? Where’s that wonderful kiss of yours?”
As I stuck out my cheek, expecting that fabulous reward, my sweet Colleeno lowered the boom. “Sorry Dad, but I can’t be seen kissing my parents. I’m in middle school now.”
What? How can this be? With an aching heart, I gathered up my best puppy love eyes. “Come on. You can give me a little kiss. Can’t you?”
Biting her lip, she shook her head. “I can’t, Daddy.” She slowly turned and walked off toward the school’s entrance.
As if struck by a bolt of lightning, I sat, frozen in my seat while staring out the windshield for what felt like an eternity. I knew in the long run my little girl would be growing up -- but did it have to happen so soon?
The pain hurt as if someone had placed a heavy rock on top of my heart, as it tried to flee for a better place. I’m still her Handsome Hero Daddy -- aren’t I?
Deep inside, I knew Colleeno still loved me. She was too young and innocent to understand how much my heart ached at that moment. Otherwise, she would have done anything to avoid making me feel that way. She wouldn’t conceive of harming anything.
This caring, little girl once brought her mom a worm that had been broken in two. She sobbed. “It’s hurt.” With her lower lip curled and eyes flooded with tears, she pleaded, “Can you help me fix it with a Band-Aid?”
There was definitely a noticeable difference in our relationship as she progressed through middle school and on to high school. As much as I tried to hold on to that precious, little girl I’d become so accustomed to, she was quickly moving on to adulthood.
Maybe, I should have embraced the whole “growing up” thing, but it was so very hard to let go. I miss my little girl.
Colleen continued to do well in school -- though she worried way too much about each and every test. Despite all the hand wringing, she managed to perform very well on her exams.
As she dealt with the growing pains faced by so many teenagers, the funny jokes faded. The frequent laughter of old turned to a more serious demeanor, during the more typical confrontations of a young adult, earnestly vying for more freedom than their parents were ready to allow.
It would have been nice if she could have remained that cuddly, little girl forever, but the years that followed were more of a mixed set of blessings. We were very proud to see her grow up and become much more independent, as she finished out her college years at Texas A&M. Even so, it was sad to witness us drifting apart.
Yes, I understood it was part of letting go, especially as she got older, BUT my heart still ached. Why does life have to be so painful at times? Can’t I just keep my sweet, little Colleeno?
Fortunately, my daughter and I still enjoyed some fabulous moments together, before and after she grew into a young woman. While Bonnie handled practically all of the Christmas gift buying and wrapping, I truly enjoyed selecting a special gift for the girls -- just from Dad.
I gave Colleen a cool water globe with snow falling over the mystical castle. It proved to be one of her favorites and mine as well. Everybody needs to dream once in a while!
My sweet girl warmed my heart by asking me to escort her on two special occasions. I walked her across the Connally High School football field to her Homecoming Court in Pflugerville, Texas, during her senior year. Another time, I escorted her during her Sorority Inauguration event, while she was attending Texas A&M in College Station, Texas.
Each occasion was very special, and this amazing, young woman looked absolutely stunning on both of those evenings. I couldn’t have been prouder of her accomplishments, when she received her diplomas from each institution of learning.
Colleen worked very hard and long hours, tending bar and waiting tables to help pay her way through college and expenses on campus. Bonnie and I would drive up on occasions to meet with her and see how things were going. We enjoyed the trip, each and every time.
Being a big Texas Longhorn fan, I’d bite my tongue when entering many of the establishments in College Station, all decked out in Texas A&M’s maroon and white with “Gig ‘em” signs all over the place. Heaven forbid! Why did our girl have to choose one of the biggest Texas rivals?
Oh well, I got even by inviting her to a Longhorn - Aggie football game on our home turf. Not only was the game in the heart of the University of Texas campus in Austin, but I also had tickets right on the 50-yard line, directly behind the Longhorn team bench.
Colleen, with her maroon and white, was drowning in a sea of burnt orange. Even though my daughter was stuck listening to a bunch of boisterous Longhorn fans whooping it up, she was a great sport, and we enjoyed a wonderful time together.
After receiving her diploma from A&M, Colleen continued to work hard, earning a living in Austin, Texas. The little girl was gone, but in her place was a grown woman, establishing her place in this life on her own terms. Thankfully, she found it with a loving partner who cared for her dearly.
As a few years passed, Bonnie and I wondered if we’d ever experience the wonders of a grandchild in our lifetime, but that glorious day finally arrived when we least expected. Colleen gave birth to a lovely granddaughter.
This beautiful ball of energy has provided many tender moments, some that remind me so much of my happy-go-lucky Colleeno, from years gone by. My heart had been refreshed by this new little girl and the special memories of her mom when she was a carefree lass.
As if that wasn’t enough, Bonnie and I have been blessed with a second wonderful granddaughter -- compliments of Colleen. We couldn’t be happier to be able to shower love on two of the sweetest granddaughters in the world.
I look forward to sharing so many of my experiences with these two little girls. They’re going to love hearing Dziadzia’s stories and learning more about animals and the world around them. Better yet, I can’t wait to teach them how to fish one day!
***********
That's it for now! Enjoy the pictures of Colleen over many years of her growing experiences. Up next; I share the 3rd story about "The Girls" with a focus on Bonnie, my gorgeous wife.
Thank you for your amazing support!
ANDY'S LESSONS FROM LIFE
My 28th Short Story
With this rendition of my life, you'll get a chance to learn more about Colleen, our youngest daughter. The front portion of this story is an introduction and is the same as provided with the first part of "The Girls" about our oldest daughter, Shannon, in my 27th Short Story. I hope you enjoy more of Andy's life experiences and the lessons that come with them.
"The Girls, Part 2: The Youngest Daughter"
“Raising children is one of the most important and challenging undertakings chosen by a grownup.”
--Andy Skrzynski
Couples face lots of very difficult choices in life, but few are more impactful than helping children learn the best way to deal with the world in which they live. More often than not, during the earliest stages of parenthood, unexpected mishaps confirm our ignorance in handling such endeavors. Fortunately, the amazing hugs, broad smiles, and joyful sparkles in our children’s eyes help us overcome those misgivings.
Around the time of my separation from my second wife in the mid-1980s, I concluded it was time to settle down a bit and entertain the thought of raising children. My dear friend, Bonnie, who still lived in Michigan at the time, had been divorced for a couple of years, and her daughters were still quite young.
Shannon, the oldest, was six, going on 12 in her mind. Colleen enjoyed the delightful world of a four-year-old to the fullest.
Before long, Bonnie and I began a long-distance relationship. During that interesting but trying period, while living 1200 miles apart, I would stop by Canton, Michigan on my flights back home to Texas. At that time, I was fulfilling my duties in transferring a project from IBM Kingston, New York to my homebase in Austin.
Bonnie and I always made the best of those weekend hops, playing with the girls in the park or out at the lake, while fitting in romantic flings after we tucked the girls into bed. Following a few bumps along the way, the relationships among the four of us blossomed quite well.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I wanted children, the little girls were thrilled at the thought of having a full-time daddy, and Bonnie didn’t mind a helping hand in raising two young kids.
So, within less than two years of developing our bonds, we got married, and “Our Family” set out on the adventure of our lifetimes. As would be expected, we had a few growing pains, while we tested each other and learned how best to live in some form of harmony. It was a grand time in my life, when I positively loved being a part of The Girls’ lives and them being part of mine.
With marriage plans in the making, I found a wedding band that symbolized my devotion to ALL three girls -- my beautiful wife, Shannon, and Colleen. The lovely trio would remain a significant part of my life until the day I died. That magnificent ring contained three sparkly diamonds, clustered side-by-side at the top of the golden halo around my finger -- the perfect reminder of my commitment.
"The Youngest Daughter"
Of the two girls, Colleen was the easiest to get along with by nature, during our earlier years together. She was always warm and loved to cuddle.
Whenever I’d sit at the dinner table or on the couch, she often crawled onto my lap and let me hold her. Sometimes, I’d brush her hair, or she would simply curl up and remain content to sit with me for quite some time, before one of us decided it was time to do something else.
My back gave me lots of trouble during that period, when I was working long hours at IBM. I often plopped onto the carpeted floor while watching TV. Most times, Colleen would lie down in front of me, and I wrapped my arm around her as we enjoyed whatever program happened to be playing at that moment.
Instead of being one of those kids who demanded constant affection, she seemed to thrive by snuggling up to me and letting me shower attention her way. It wasn’t like she needed it, she just seemed comforted to know that you loved her.
If Bonnie and I were busy and couldn’t spend time with her at a given moment, she remained quite content. Our little girl would play in a delightful world of her own making. She'd dress up her Barbie dolls and play with them for a while, before moving on to her other toys or stuffed animals.
I couldn’t have hoped for a nicer child. She was the perfect little angel.
Of course, kids will be kids. One time, while all four of us were walking in our neighborhood of Gracy Woods in Austin, Texas, she pranced her way ahead of us. Before we knew it, she was running down a rather steep sidewalk, and her legs failed to keep up with her excited body. Down she tumbled and busted her palm wide open.
My heart plummeted, while she bawled with blood flowing down her hand and arm. Running as quickly as I could, I scooped her up and carried her back to the house as fast as I could sprint. We promptly rushed her to the emergency room and got her patched up, but my heart hurt like the dickens, knowing the pain she endured.
Despite a few scrapes and bruises, Colleen was one of those happy-go-lucky girls who enjoyed life to its fullest. She was always cheerful, and as she grew older and rode the bus to elementary school in 3rd and 4th grades.
Rarely, did she return home without at least one hilarious joke she heard from some of the other kids. She shared plenty of doozies with us.
Fortunately, they were all clean and didn’t leave us in shock. My favorite was “The Big Mouth Frog.”
Oh my, she relayed that funny story with the greatest expressions. Her mannerisms and punchlines were absolutely perfect and had us in tears while laughing so hard our guts ached by the end.
On a particularly glorious occasion, Colleen had drawn a picture for a Father’s Day gift. After carefully observing her creation, I looked at her message at the bottom. “To my Handsome Hero Daddy, I love you, Colleen.”
Wow! Smiling, I thought to myself, Handsome Hero Daddy! It doesn't get any better than that! In the blink of an eye, my heart melted into a pool of everlasting love.
I wrapped my arms around her and gave her the biggest hug ever. For weeks upon months, she called me Handsome Hero Daddy, and I gave her a nickname, dear to my heart. From that point on, I began calling her Colleeno. Our bond had always been great but leapt to a whole new level.
After I started driving Colleen to middle school, one of my most treasured rewards included receiving a kiss from Colleen, each and every time she left the car for school. Nothing refreshed our daily bond more than that dear little peck, before I watched her walk toward the school building. I’d sigh each time she disappeared into the doorway.
Everything remained heavenly until one day, while she was still in 6th grade, she started walking away without that special peck I had grown so accustomed to. “Colleen. Did you forget something? Where’s that wonderful kiss of yours?”
As I stuck out my cheek, expecting that fabulous reward, my sweet Colleeno lowered the boom. “Sorry Dad, but I can’t be seen kissing my parents. I’m in middle school now.”
What? How can this be? With an aching heart, I gathered up my best puppy love eyes. “Come on. You can give me a little kiss. Can’t you?”
Biting her lip, she shook her head. “I can’t, Daddy.” She slowly turned and walked off toward the school’s entrance.
As if struck by a bolt of lightning, I sat, frozen in my seat while staring out the windshield for what felt like an eternity. I knew in the long run my little girl would be growing up -- but did it have to happen so soon?
The pain hurt as if someone had placed a heavy rock on top of my heart, as it tried to flee for a better place. I’m still her Handsome Hero Daddy -- aren’t I?
Deep inside, I knew Colleeno still loved me. She was too young and innocent to understand how much my heart ached at that moment. Otherwise, she would have done anything to avoid making me feel that way. She wouldn’t conceive of harming anything.
This caring, little girl once brought her mom a worm that had been broken in two. She sobbed. “It’s hurt.” With her lower lip curled and eyes flooded with tears, she pleaded, “Can you help me fix it with a Band-Aid?”
There was definitely a noticeable difference in our relationship as she progressed through middle school and on to high school. As much as I tried to hold on to that precious, little girl I’d become so accustomed to, she was quickly moving on to adulthood.
Maybe, I should have embraced the whole “growing up” thing, but it was so very hard to let go. I miss my little girl.
Colleen continued to do well in school -- though she worried way too much about each and every test. Despite all the hand wringing, she managed to perform very well on her exams.
As she dealt with the growing pains faced by so many teenagers, the funny jokes faded. The frequent laughter of old turned to a more serious demeanor, during the more typical confrontations of a young adult, earnestly vying for more freedom than their parents were ready to allow.
It would have been nice if she could have remained that cuddly, little girl forever, but the years that followed were more of a mixed set of blessings. We were very proud to see her grow up and become much more independent, as she finished out her college years at Texas A&M. Even so, it was sad to witness us drifting apart.
Yes, I understood it was part of letting go, especially as she got older, BUT my heart still ached. Why does life have to be so painful at times? Can’t I just keep my sweet, little Colleeno?
Fortunately, my daughter and I still enjoyed some fabulous moments together, before and after she grew into a young woman. While Bonnie handled practically all of the Christmas gift buying and wrapping, I truly enjoyed selecting a special gift for the girls -- just from Dad.
I gave Colleen a cool water globe with snow falling over the mystical castle. It proved to be one of her favorites and mine as well. Everybody needs to dream once in a while!
My sweet girl warmed my heart by asking me to escort her on two special occasions. I walked her across the Connally High School football field to her Homecoming Court in Pflugerville, Texas, during her senior year. Another time, I escorted her during her Sorority Inauguration event, while she was attending Texas A&M in College Station, Texas.
Each occasion was very special, and this amazing, young woman looked absolutely stunning on both of those evenings. I couldn’t have been prouder of her accomplishments, when she received her diplomas from each institution of learning.
Colleen worked very hard and long hours, tending bar and waiting tables to help pay her way through college and expenses on campus. Bonnie and I would drive up on occasions to meet with her and see how things were going. We enjoyed the trip, each and every time.
Being a big Texas Longhorn fan, I’d bite my tongue when entering many of the establishments in College Station, all decked out in Texas A&M’s maroon and white with “Gig ‘em” signs all over the place. Heaven forbid! Why did our girl have to choose one of the biggest Texas rivals?
Oh well, I got even by inviting her to a Longhorn - Aggie football game on our home turf. Not only was the game in the heart of the University of Texas campus in Austin, but I also had tickets right on the 50-yard line, directly behind the Longhorn team bench.
Colleen, with her maroon and white, was drowning in a sea of burnt orange. Even though my daughter was stuck listening to a bunch of boisterous Longhorn fans whooping it up, she was a great sport, and we enjoyed a wonderful time together.
After receiving her diploma from A&M, Colleen continued to work hard, earning a living in Austin, Texas. The little girl was gone, but in her place was a grown woman, establishing her place in this life on her own terms. Thankfully, she found it with a loving partner who cared for her dearly.
As a few years passed, Bonnie and I wondered if we’d ever experience the wonders of a grandchild in our lifetime, but that glorious day finally arrived when we least expected. Colleen gave birth to a lovely granddaughter.
This beautiful ball of energy has provided many tender moments, some that remind me so much of my happy-go-lucky Colleeno, from years gone by. My heart had been refreshed by this new little girl and the special memories of her mom when she was a carefree lass.
As if that wasn’t enough, Bonnie and I have been blessed with a second wonderful granddaughter -- compliments of Colleen. We couldn’t be happier to be able to shower love on two of the sweetest granddaughters in the world.
I look forward to sharing so many of my experiences with these two little girls. They’re going to love hearing Dziadzia’s stories and learning more about animals and the world around them. Better yet, I can’t wait to teach them how to fish one day!
***********
That's it for now! Enjoy the pictures of Colleen over many years of her growing experiences. Up next; I share the 3rd story about "The Girls" with a focus on Bonnie, my gorgeous wife.
Thank you for your amazing support!