Once upon a time, a dad-to-be climbed into bed after another night of work and fell asleep to the world.
After five or so hours, the mom-to-be shook her husband’s shoulder.
Not used to opening his eyes this early in the day, the man may have grunted.
The woman said it was time.
The man jolted upright, wide-eyed and as ready to run out the door as a frenzied dad-to-be in a TV sit-com.
How long, he asked the woman.
Since you got home, she answered. She said she wanted the man to get some sleep on this big day.
This was her third time, she reminded, so she knew it was OK.
This is his first time. He is not so certain.
He drove the woman fast that half-dozen miles up the hill, down the hill, and to the hospital.
That was the woman’s home turf. The people helping her were friends. They asked if students could watch and learn and the woman easily agreed.
The man stood and watched, too, given the front and privileged position. He was amazed at how quickly everything unfolded in that room.
And then you came into our world, dear one.
“It’s a boy,” the doctor said.
“No, it’s a girl,” he corrected himself. I never did ask him if that was a joke or a misjudgment.
And what a beautiful girl you were. “She looks just like me,” I declared.
The next few days were a whirlwind of family and celebration.
I do remember being given a couple of hours alone time with you in an empty hospital room the second day of your life. I held you in my arms, appreciated the wonder of you, and explained what was going on during the Mets game on the TV on the wall. I made Dad promises and smiled a Dad smile. I do believe some tears rolled down my cheeks. That’s the way I am, you know.
The first four-generation photo on my side of the family, with Pop Pop, me, and Babci and baby Elisabeth.
You were the first grandchild born into my side of the family.
Look at the way your great-grandmother looked at you in the four-generation photo above!
Bigger girl, and the older generations were just as proud.
My side of the family was spread out while you grew up.
But Pop Pop and Babci were thrilled that you were the centerpiece of this four-generation photo above after you grew into a smart, happy and pretty school girl.
It was the last one. Pop Pop went first, Babci a few years later.
Please know again, they adored you.
Happy woman, you are.
And look at you now, Elisabeth.
Happy 24th birthday my intelligent, joyful and beautiful daughter.
I’m as proud as I was that first day of your life.
Mark Bialczak 
Elisabeth is a lucky girl! What a beautiful piece of writing to celebrate her special day! Great dad 🙂
Thanks for sharing with us, such a special and private part of your life – we are privileged to get a glimpse. 🙂
Miss Lou
x
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I was happy to write about that day when Elisabeth came into the world, Miss Lou. Too often it’s easy to keep things like this to yourself instead of telling your kid how much it means to you! Thanks for your sweet comment.
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It’s a great share.. 🙂 I’m smiling, and you’re welcome 🙂
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Lovely, lovely post! Sweet tribute to your daughter, AND she looks a lot like you!!
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The kid is alright, Aussa. Thank you for your kind words.
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How beautiful Elisabeth is. Happy Birthday to her. A beautiful tribute, Mark.
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She grew up some since you and Dave left Syracuse. Thank you, Judy.
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I teared up. So sweet, truly a wonderful post. Happy Birthday to your daughter!
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Thank you for your kind words, andthreetogo.
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Happy birthday Mark and his dear wife’s beautiful baby girl!!! 🙂
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Thank you, Colleen, from me and the baby girl who is a marvelous young adult, and her mother, too, I
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🙂 You’re very welcome proud papa and mama.
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I was humming the song, “On the day that you were born, the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true.. ” Hope Elisabeth had a wonderful #24 and the whole year is filled with exciting and special moments! What a lovely way to celebrate, proud Dad, Mark!
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The Carpenters’ ‘Close to You’ is quite a good song to be humming for this one, Robin. Thank you!
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If most of the daughters in this world had dads like you, it would be a much better world.
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Wonderful dedication, Mark. Happy birthday to the fellow Oneonta alum!
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Thank you, Chris.
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She is a very blessed to girl to have a dad like you – I’m sure she knows that already.
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Thank you for such kind praise, Rachel. Elisabeth gave me her text message approval of this piece, so, all is good!
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What a great tribute to your daughter, Babci, and Pop Pop!
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Thank you, Emilio. I appreciate your kind words, and so would have Babci and Pop Pop, too.
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Beautiful tribute, Mark … I bet Elisabeth will have a great birthday!
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Her dad hopes so, Jim. Thank you.
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oh mark, this is such an incredibly beautiful and loving post. i loved every word and picture and happiest of birthdays to your lovely daughter )
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Thank you, Beth. In the ups and downs of life, she is a constant up!
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how wonderful for all of you )
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I’m not gonna cry…I’m not gonna cry….
Great!
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Thank you, Trey. You can borrow a tissue. To blow your nose, of course. Hey, I’ve read about your love for yours, too.
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You can’t prove nuthin’
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What a sweet tribute to your beautiful daughter. She looks and sounds like a lovable young lady!
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She has a great spirit, Sandra. I am a happy and lucky father.
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Beeoootiful, Mark. Thank you.
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Thank you, Ann. The few years until your son Aaron is a smiling adult like Elisabeth is in the last picture will go-by-like-that!
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I’m trying to savor every moment, Mark.
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How wonderful. 🙂
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Thanks, Mer. The years fly by.
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Yeah, my darling daughter Brooke will be a senior this fall.
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See!
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Indeed I do, Mark.
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