I’m thinking of things I wanted to write about today and figured I’d change things up. I have corona-fatigue. I’m choosing to focus on things that are bringing me joy and happiness. My kids, girlfriend and immediate family are just three of the things that are positives in my life.
My girlfriend often tells me, what you focus on expands. I’m dedicating the next few days, if not weeks on the things I really should pay more attention to. So many other writers are talking about the numbers of cases, Covid-19 deaths, economic destruction and harm coming down the road. I feel, right now, I have nothing more to add to that level of discourse.
Kids
Six years ago, I made this video for my then, 11-year-old daughter. At the time, she wanted to have her birthday party at my house. Just about every year since, she’s had a separate birthday party with her friends with me.
I remember staying up until about 4AM the night before her party trying to get this video right. I think I did a pretty good enough job with the time I had to complete it. I played the video for all of her elementary and middle school friends who she invited to the party. I must confess that both my daughter and I had a little water in our eyes after it ended. Tears of joy. I guess it’s the acknowledgment ledgement of our bond and our connection that caused the tears to flow. Ever since I made this video, I tend to cry every time I hear this song. 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.
She’s 17 now. She’s had a birthday party at my place each year since then. My daughter and three of her high school girlfriends had a slumber party earlier this year. In the middle of the party, I stopped the fun they were having and played this video for her new friends. Yes, the same emotions came pouring out.
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 always present even though I had to endure the silly fights my ex-wife loved to have 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 has 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.
Today’s Departure
I was never the biggest fan of The Who, but every time I see footage of them live, I see why they were one of the biggest bands of the 20th century. The bass lines in this song…wow.
I love the energy. There was a comment I read that that says they are a group of four frontmen. They all are so good in their own way - it works as a unit. I feel Pete Townsend holds them together. Without him, they would fall apart.
These guys kick ASS!
Clayton Craddock is an independent thinker, father of two beautiful children in New York City. He 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 and off-broadway musicals including “Tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical and Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar and Grill. In addition, Clayton has worked on: Footloose, Motown, The Color Purple, Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, Evita, Cats, and Avenue Q.