We arrived at the ceremony with enough time to find a place for my wife to sit and for me to stand on the sidelines; I have always stood at my kids events, I was (unfortunately) blessed with significantly above average height. It’s a blessing and a curse, but today is one of the days where I am grateful for my genes. A long line of 21 year old college graduates in their black silky robes and decorated caps walked to their seats for what seemed like an eternity. They go one by one, saying everyone’s name with hopes of correct pronunciation. I see her walk up the carpet with a big smile, she has a couple of those braided cords that infer intelligence. They say her name, her degree, and “graduating summa cum laude”. I didn’t go to college, so I have no idea what that means, but I do know the dedication and discipline she exhibits and imagine it is a high honor. I have three children, all whom are successful, but my daughter has a significance to my soul. She is much like me, stubborn, empathetic, kind, creative. She doesn’t like to admit that she is just like her father, but I see myself deep in her heart. The hardships I’ve encountered in life, and I have many unfortunately, don’t even compare to the love I have for her. Everything I have done is for her and her brothers. She won’t understand, and probably never will, her experience as my daughter differs from my lense as a parent. But I hope she knows that seeing her complete college, with the highest of honors, with a group of great friends, a plan for the future, and that excitement of what the world will be, is healing a broken part of me. I am her parent, her father who has always been there for her, but without knowing it, my daughter is caring for my inner child.