Bride Wars

Dear Maddisen:

Last night, as I semi-watched this dreadful movie called Bride Wars, I had a sudden revelation: someday--and it's going to be sooner than later, I'm sorry to say--you will marry the man of your dreams and leave home!

And I became sorta depressed...

I'm not sad that you will find love in your life. If you're lucky enough to fall madly in love--and I'm talking true love here, not just the I-wanna-hang-out-with-him-all-the-time kind--I'll be thrilled. It seems lots of people settle for something other than the real deal, and then regret it later when they realize a crush isn't likely to transform into something greater. I made that mistake myself many, many years ago; take it from your old man, correcting the mistake is harder than simply making the right choice the first time. The tricky part though, is developing the skills necessary to determine what choices are right.

Trust me, that's the rub.

When I talk of feeling sort of depressed, I'm really saying I don't want to face reality. I don't want to know that someday you will invest so much emotion into someone else that you will leave home to be with him. You'll go to him for advice, or for reassurance when you're worried. He'll be the one you are excited to share good news with, and the one to whom you'll confide your deepest fears. You won't need me, your old dad, as much anymore.

And that's a hard concept for me to accept.

When you walk down the aisle, I'll be there to support you. I'll smile for the pictures, and I'll be proud. Somehow, between the angst I know I'll feel and the happiness I'll share with you, I'll act the part and not embarrass you. I promise. (No matter what your mother warns you I might do.) A part of me will be forever changed on your wedding day, though. And I can only hope it's for the better.

Oh, and promise me one thing: no matter how crazy the wedding will be, never behave like Kate Hudson did in this movie!

Ewwww....gawd, she was awful.

Love,

Daddy