No need to thank me darlin' it was my pleasure... I am just glad that I could help.
I know how hard it is for men to relate to their daughters sometimes. Add a difficult divorce and strained relationship with and ex who has "issues" (to be polite) and it would be enough to scare the bejeebers out of any guy....
The best advice I ever got from a single dad who had been through the divorce ringer was, "NO ONE CAN EVER UNDO THE GOOD THAT YOU HAVE INSTILLED WITHIN YOUR CHILDREN."
This single sentence gave me the strength to make many difficult decisions regarding my own children in a calm and rational manner.
I will never be able to thank that dad enough... Actually, I think I can - by being the best mom to my girls that I NEVER thought I could be.
So you just enjoy your daughter and remember what many adult children of divorce had told me over the past few years. They said that because they had ONE PARENT that didn't have their heads up their ass... THEY WERE A OK!
In a perfect world children have AT LEAST two parents to guide them on the road of life... Remember, though that in African culture they believe it takes an entire tribe. Continue to reach out for support from wherever you can get it.
Not one of us has all of the answers. And many show us exactly WHAT NOT TO DO...
Biteme, you'll be ok. You're a smart guy who truly loves his daughter. I still remember how much you were concerned for the welfare of your daughter, the tone of your voice and how you seemed to nearly agonize, "Am I doing the right thing?..."
As long as you continue to be the way you have been, you will undoubtedly make mistakes, but I believe that you will always do the "right thing".
Dormie Bien Mon Ami!
And thank you for your well wishes. Me and my girls will be fine... If being homeless and jobless in a country where I had no proper papers, couldn't speak the language and had no family, friends or man to help me didn't break me it will take a lot more than some sorry-assed delusional psycho (fill in the blank here) to hurt me and my girls!