David Campbell: A letter to my daughter

THIS International Women’s Day, David Campbell writes a poignant letter to his three-year-old daughter, offering advice, honesty and whole lot of love.

David Campbell: “One minute you were in my arms on the couch watching cartoons, the next we are here, both crying at how proud I am.” (Pic: Nigel Lough)

TO my darling Betty,

As I write this you are sound asleep with your twin brother Billy. You are three years old now and the thought of you ever reading this letter is extremely daunting. There are so many things I want to say and our time is going so fast.

I am going to assume that you read this around your teen years. When Google is so much a part of our lives it probably reads it to you in my voice (how it does that I still don’t know, the future is amazing).

You will be going through puberty and probably thinking I am the last man on Earth you ever want to speak to. I know I keep telling you what I think is right for you and this infuriates you, because what do I know? You are correct. I don’t know. So take it easy on me. I am only saying what seems right. I’ll admit, I don’t know how to raise a daughter and the fact that for the 13 years up until now I was basically wrapped around your finger makes this time all the harder for the both of us.

Campbell’s daughter Betty. (Pic: Instagram)

You may avoid this letter until your 20s. Fair enough. These sorts of public displays of affection must seem so 2018 to your generation.

I see how strong you are. You have the intelligence, wit and fire of your mother. Just as with her, I can find that daunting. Be patient with me. She has shown you that you can be who you want to be. When you are the father of this energy, all you can do is watch, cheering on in amazement with a healthy dose of paternal fear.

Maybe you have waited for a special occasion for me to read this to you out loud. You are older, looking at me dressed in a ridiculous suit that is making me sweat under the pressure; my hands shaking and my voice quivering as I try to get this out without crying too much.

I am crying because it’s all happened so fast, you see. One minute you were in my arms on the couch before bedtime watching cartoons, the next minute we are here, both crying and laughing at how sentimental and proud I am of you as we get ready to walk down an aisle.

David Campbell features in our IWD issue.

You carry in you all the amazing women who have come before you in history. Your mother is the person who has inspired me so much and given me you and your brothers. She is what we used to call a “game changer”. She gives you all the power of the women in her family. She has taught you to go forth and be the best you can. Stay positive, be honest, work hard and help others on your way. I have nodded, transferred money, been there to hold you when you were sad and told you a bad joke when you needed a laugh.

Your mother and I love Bruce Springsteen and he has a lyric that says: If as we’re walking a hand should slip free, I will wait for you. And should I fall behind, wait for me.

Thanks for waiting,

Dad.

David co-hosts Today Extra, 9am weekdays, on the Nine Network.

Originally published as David Campbell: A letter to my daughter