Chapter 17
In My Daughter's Eyes
I Know a Princess. She is my 17 year old daughter Cole. She told me the other day that I should write a chapter of this book and dedicate it to her. I laughed, she didn't.! So that is one of the main reasons that I am writing this today. Somewhat out of fear, something for self preservation and mostly, yes mostly out of love. Anyone who has had the privilege of raising a daughter for 17 years understands what I am about to say. Anyone who hasn't had that privilege, well maybe you can prepare yourself for what is ahead if you have younger children or thinking of having children when you get older one day. You know, raising a daughter is not easy. Especially in these times. You never know who and what dangers are out there. Lurking in the wind and darkness!. You hope always that the people who come into your child's life are good to them, that they are positive influences. Helping your child stay out of trouble and supporting them with care and laughter. Cole is my friend. I know that is crazy to say. But it is true. She of all my five children is the most like me. Cole has my eyes. She has a tem
per. She is emotional and full of drama. She is kind. And she loves the beach and ocean like me. She reminds me of myself when I was seventeen. She just wants to have fun and be left alone and live her life. I see myself in her in so many ways. When she was a little girl I use to hold her constantly. I use to tell her that I loved her and that she was my baby girl. I still call her that even today. In my eyes, she will always remain that way. Even when I am 80 and she is 52 Cole will always be that special to me. I know God has a purpose for her. Why do I know that? Because I know He has a purpose for us all. But for Cole it is a little different. When her mother was five months pregnant with Cole we thought we had lost her. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Her mother and I listening to the doctor telling us that she was gone. And that they were just going to make sure by taking her to the upstairs unit to make sure they were 100 percent correct. I remember going down stairs to the hospital chapel and praying to a statue of Jesus and asking the Lord to save her life. The irony of this all was that I wasn't even saved back then and didn't even know God at all. But I asked anyways. A half an hour later when they did the sonogram the doctor nearly fell over when he saw Cole fluttering around in her mother's uterus. He couldn't believe that he could hear a heart beat. It was a moment of joy and a miracle that she was alive. Cole, when you were finally born four months later, the doctor showed me the placenta and where it was torn. He explained to me that this was your life line, the way you got your food from in your mom’s body. And that you Cole, hung on and stayed connected only by an eyelash. His words, when he showed me went something like this. "She has a purpose Mr. Petrecca, someone has a purpose for your daughter. It is a miracle she survived and that she is so 
beautiful.' the doctor said with a smile. As I held you for the first time, I smiled and I cried. I remember you smelled like baby powder in your newly bought pink outfit. I counted your fingers, your toes and kissed your cheek so softly many times. I was glad that you were here and that I could finally see your beautiful face. Although you didn't live with me for long, full time, and moved out with your mother when we divorced. I still remember that day and time of my life when you entered this world with a smile. September Morning has a new meaning for me now. That fall day when we met for the first time is a place for me, of reflection. I thank God that he has given me a daughter as special as you. I know you love me and look out for me. I know that you are one of my biggest fans and that in your eyes I see the gratitude of all the fun times we have spent together over the past 17 years. I haven't told you this often enough. But I want you to know Cole, that I think you are great person! I want you to know that being your dad is a great honor. I wait for the day when I do not have to get on you about school work, or watch the boyfriends you date. I await the time when I can just speak to you as a friend instead of an authority figure at special times in your life. But until that time arrives as we both grow up I want you to know that I believe God gave you to me as a special gift and encouragement in my life. It is not easy for a parent to let go. It is hard sometimes to make the right call as a father.
Especially when it comes to your baby girl! It is comforting for me to know that people will always see me in my daughter's eyes. Long after I am gone from this world I will be there. Along with my writings and my words you will be able to see my heart in my daughter Cole. And that really means a lot to me knowing that fact. It makes getting older, well, not as bad. I know Cole has a purpose. What that is right now, only God knows, and that is okay with me. When God reveals that to you baby girl, I pray you follow it with all your heart. Believe in who you are. Believe that God made you special. Believe that you are special! Because you are Cole. I am so honored that the good Lord Jesus let me write this today. I want the world to know how great my daughter is and how great God made her. I want to thank the Father in Heaven for this special gift that he gave to me back on a special September morning in 1991. My life has never been the same since the day we met Cole. I still remember that moment, always have, and always will! That's a promise! I Love you Cole... But you know that and that is good. Remember wherever you go, God is with you. And so am I. If you ever forget that in your life. All you have to do is look in a mirror into those beautiful brown eyes that are a window into your heart. And I will be there, as a reminder to you that your Heavenly Father is forever more looking out for you, Love~ your Dad
Al Petrecca Jr.