Anything Like Me

Many times Si will say, "like mother, like daughter," or words to that affect.  I'm not sure he always means it as a compliment.  But, I am very proud of all of my girls and I'm pretty happy with myself for the most part.  So, if anyone thinks my girls are like me, well then, I consider that a huge compliment. 
When I heard Brad Paisley's latest song, "Anything Like Me" it made me think about all the things my girls did as they were growing up, that reminded me of myself growing up.  I know there were times I stayed out too late and kept my mom from a sound night sleep.  I know I drove too fast.  I got in trouble and grounded.  Well, I guess I got my payback.  I know there were times my girls hated me; times I lost my temper; times we got in fights.  But you know what?  I wouldn't trade a minute of it for anything.  I am so proud of the adults my children have grown into.  And if anyone thinks my girls are a bit like me, well, that's just fine with me. 
But, since this song is about fathers and sons, I have to mention the men in my daughter's lives.  All of my daughter's husbands are fine young men.  They are equal partners with my girls in the lives they are making.  They are respectful, responsible and all-around wonderful guys. 
I have caught numerous glimpses of the fathers that Jay and Jeremy will be; on Sundays at our house and more recently on our Florida vacation.  They truly seem to enjoy being with Talan and take the time to show that.  I've watched Billy with their neighbor's little girl and more recently with Talan, and I can see that Parker will have a loving and caring father.  And since day one, Randy has been more involved in Talan's life than one could image. The love and pride Randy feels for Talan is obvious to everyone and so gratifying to see. 
Then, there's my son Aaron and his wife Jeanne.  I know Aaron is a great father because he was such a good big brother when the girls were little.  And I know that he and Jeanne share their love for Amira as well as sharing the same hopes and aspirations for her. 
And now, as I watch Talan and Amira growing up and as I wonder what Parker will be like, and new baby Weston and future baby Trietschs and Yldas, I can't help but think --- like the last line of the song: ""There's worst folks to be like, oh he'll be alright if he's anything like me."  And I know, they'll be alright, if they are anything like their moms and dads. 





Anything Like Me 

Songwriters: Dubois; Paisley, Brad Douglas; Turnbull;

I remember sayin' I don't care either way
Just as long as he or she is healthy I'm okay
Then the doctor pointed to the corner of the screen
And said, "You see that thing right there, well you know what that means"

I started wondering who he was going to be
And I thought heaven help us if he's anything like me

He'll probably climb a tree too tall and ride his bike too fast
End up every summer wearin' something in a cast
He's gonna throw a ball and break some glass in a window down the street

He's gonna get in trouble, oh he's gonna get in fights
I'm gonna lose my temper and some sleep
It's safe to say that I'm gonna get my payback if he's anything like me

I can see him right now, knees all skinned up
With a magnifying glass tryin' to melt the Tonka truck
Won't he be a sight with his football helmet on?
That'll be his first love 'til his first love comes along

He'll get his heart broke by the time he's in his teens
And heaven help him if he's anything like me

He'll probably stay out too late and drive his car too fast
Get a speeding ticket, he'll pay for mowing grass
He's gonna get caught skippin' class and be grounded for a week

He's gonna get into trouble, we're gonna get in fights
I'm gonna lose my temper and some sleep
It's safe to say that I'm gonna get my payback if he's anything like me

He's gonna love me and hate me along the way
Years are gonna fly by and I already dread the day

He's gonna hug his momma, he's gonna shake my hand
He's gonna act like he can't wait to leave
But as he drives out he'll cry his eyes out if he's anything like me
There's worst folks to be like, oh he'll be alright if he's anything like me