Six years ago, I made this video for my then, 11-year-old daughter. She wanted to have her birthday party at her dad’s house. I think just about every year since then, she’s had a separate birthday party with me.

I remember staying up until about 4AM the night before her party trying to get this video right. I feel I did a good enough job with the time I had to complete it. I played the video for all of her elementary and middle school friends she invited to the party. My daughter and I had a little water in our eyes after it ended. I gotta say, I cry every time I hear this song because I think of Sahaar. John Mayer wrote a classic.

That little girl I used to care for all day long since she was a baby will always be my “girlie” even though she’s a young lady now.

I think we’ll always be close.

In fact, she’s 17 now and she’s having her birthday party at my place again tonight. My daughter and three of her high school girlfriends are having a slumber party. I played this video again for her new friends and yes, the same emotions came pouring out.

Right now, the girls are watching Mama Mia 2. Time for me to let them enjoy their teen fun. Musicals…ugh!

It’s a joy to watch my kids grow. I’ve been there for almost every change in their life, every school event, the ups -the downs and the good and bad times. It’s incredible to be there for their first steps, seeing them ride a bike for the first time, teaching them right from wrong, showing them how to dress, eat properly, speak, read, think critically and be good students. I was there through the silly fights my ex had with me in family and supreme court. It’s beyond crazy to me that anyone would waste precious resources of a court to try and push a man like me away from kids I’ve always loved and cared for.

The bottom line? I’ll be there for them as long as I’m able to walk talk and breathe.

Having kids was one of the best things that happened in my life. I’m glad I have both a son and a daughter because I can see just how different boys and girls are. It’s like night and day. I love them both so much.

But…it all started with my daughter on January 21st, 2003 at 10:10AM. Fathers should be good to our daughters. Daughters will truly love like we do.

I certainly hope so. I have always told her that I expect every man she comes across in her life to treat her as well, or BETTER than I treat her. If not, they shouldn’t be in her life. Kick them to the curb!

I do my best to lead by example. I hope what I’ve done by being there for her for the past 17 years will pay off. I feel I’ve shown her the right paths to take when she is completely on her own in a few short years. I’m not done yet though. In fact, I don’t think I’ll ever be done.

My job as a father doesn’t end. There isn’t a retirement party for this gig. That’s just fine with me.

 

Clayton Craddock is and independent thinker, father of two beautiful children in New York City and is the drummer of the hit broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University’s School of Business and is a 25 year veteran of the fast paced New York City music scene. He has played drums in a number of hit Broadway musicals including “Tick, tick…BOOM!,Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical and Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar and Grill. Clayton has worked on other musicals; Footloose, Motown, The Color Purple, Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, Evita, Cats, and Avenue Q.

Clayton is the chair of the New York chapter of the National Parents Organization and is focused on promoting shared parenting, where both parents have equal standing raising children after a separation or divorce. He is writing a memoir and writes for various local and national publications.

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