I always loved carrying my daughter in my arms, still small and light enough that it wasn't a problem. Cindy loved watching me do it, one because, in her eyes, it proved my strength, but two, she knew how much it meant to me. There would come a day my little girl would be either too big, or it just wouldn't happen again. There's be a last time and I wouldn't know it. She barely woke up once I had her in bed, just awake enough when Cindy and I kissed her goodnight for her to whisper words of love before she fell asleep again.

Cindy and I didn't stay...