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by Dave Heinzel, April 18, 2014

Dear Mia

We went to Chicago yesterday, just the two of us. You haven't been there since you were too young to remember. I was so excited to see the city through your curious eyes.

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We parked at Midway Airport and took the train to the city.

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This was your first trip on the subway. You liked to hear "ding-dong, doors closing" at each stop. You noticed that the doors opened on the left, and you wondered when they would open on the right.

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We rode around the Loop — you were amazed by all the buildings. There was so much to take in.

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This is how you experience everything, by the way. You don't just casually walk up to things and look around. You climb, run and jump on everything that you can. I've come to understand that this is how you communicate with the world around you, and it's beautiful. Your energy is contagious.

More than anything, you were excited to go to the Disney store on Michigan Avenue. So we walked there. You wanted to buy all kinds of things from the movie "Frozen," but we were both disappointed that they didn't have any "Frozen" merchandise. So we carried on.

We went in the Water Tower Mall, and I purposefully chose an entrance far from the American Girl store. I didn't want you to see it and get disappointed (because I couldn't even afford to walk in there). But you saw it anyway, and you ran. It was the only time you ran away from me.

We spent a lot of time there. You never begged or whined, even though you knew I couldn't buy a doll. I said maybe for Christmas, hoping that by then you would forget. I was fundamentally opposed to the blatant materialistic nature of that store.

But as you went from floor to floor, doll to doll, my heart melted. You have always loved dolls. You call them "friends." So despite every parental and financial instinct, I bought you your first American Girl doll.

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You loved her instantly. You said you always wanted a sister, so she was going to be your sister. Your sister Mia.

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I took the two of you to the top of the Hancock Tower for Pepsis. The view was amazing, but you spent most of the time looking at Mia, and I spent most of it watching you.

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Then we went to the Hershey's store, because, well, HELLO. It's you and me. And there are not two people that love candy more. We had a good time.

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We bought cookies, then sat down and enjoyed them. You liked watching the pigeons.

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We walked down Michigan Avenue to the river, where we stopped for a long time to just look at things. Several couples asked me to take their picture. You told them all I took good pictures. That melted my heart.

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We stopped to watch a street performance, which you really enjoyed.

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Then we found the water. You love water, and we both knew what was going to happen, despite not having dry clothes, and despite it being quite chilly. You got in, then I got in, and we had a blast. I had to leave all of our stuff unattended, including your new American Girl doll. You never once seemed concerned that someone would walk away with her. I love your innocence.

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What does the world look like through your eyes? I often wonder what it's like to be you. What I wouldn't give to spend a minute inside that busy head of yours.

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You love without fear. You play without insecurity. Everything is a toy. Everyone is good.

The world is your playground.

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We walked and walked and walked. I was nervous when you got out of my reach, which was often. I carried all the bags, which bumped people as we went and had handles that cut into my hands. My shoulders burned. My camera grew uncomfortably heavy.

But as you danced through the streets, with your big eyes and carefree smile, you carried me.

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We saw so many new things today. Your world got so much bigger. And as you get older and your world gets even larger, I hope you approach it with all the excitement and wonder that you brought to Chicago. Because as you taught me, you don't have to see things for how they are. You make them whatever you want them to be.

love,
Daddy

Comments

This is beautiful. Something I've thought of doing for my kids before and an inspiration to make that happen. What a gift this is for everyone with whom it is shared. Thanks.

Sara Ettinger
Apr 18, 2014, 5:15 P.M.

Dave, this is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read that you have written - and I've read a LOT of your stuff. I'm actually crying here. Crying. Mia is a blessed little girl to have a Daddy like you; so is Ethan. You're totally amazeballs! No lie.

Angi Davis
Apr 18, 2014, 5:51 P.M.

Dang Dave, you melted my cold, cold heart.

Dave Rock
Apr 18, 2014, 5:57 P.M.

You did such a good job of describing Mia as a beautiful spirit. Everything you said is true. This was beautifully written and will become a real treasure for her to keep as she grows older. She's a very special little girl and I'm so blessed that she's my granddaughter.

Nancy H.
Apr 18, 2014, 6:14 P.M.

Simply beautiful

dannie pipes
Apr 18, 2014, 6:15 P.M.

This is awesome!

Heather Ausmus - Johnson
Apr 18, 2014, 6:28 P.M.

After reading what wonderful comments were made by Sara, Angi, Dave, Nancy, and Dannie I would just like to add - you made your daddy proud!!

Steve H.
Apr 18, 2014, 6:37 P.M.

well done.... both of you.

EMarcy
Apr 18, 2014, 7:25 P.M.

That American Girl doll might have been pricey, but this day if memories is priceless.

Jenni G.
Apr 18, 2014, 7:32 P.M.

I hope to hear you read this at her wedding. With maybe a 16 year old version added in. Very touching and well done.

Auntie Coreen
Apr 18, 2014, 7:33 P.M.

Beautiful!

Jeff Benson
Apr 18, 2014, 7:51 P.M.

You made Leslie cry. Me... No....it's my allergies. Having spent lots of time with Mia last year, it is so cool to see her grow up. You did such a great job describing an incredible little kiddo.

Jason C.
Apr 18, 2014, 8:02 P.M.

Wonder-full. Made me cry. Thanks for being you.

Matt Penning
Apr 18, 2014, 8:07 P.M.

Right on! A beautiful story about a beautiful girl. It's great to read about a father with perspective and accurate priorities. I try my damdest to pay attention to and enjoy every moment too.

Denny Deaton
Apr 18, 2014, 8:57 P.M.

Loved this. She's a special girl with a special Daddy.

Marni
Apr 18, 2014, 9:59 P.M.

Beautiful.

Spike
Apr 19, 2014, 5:56 A.M.

Add me to the cry-list! Thank you for the glimpse into you and your daughter's world! One reason she's amazing (& she certainly is!) is because she has the reality of you as her father. :) Love you!

becky wheeler
Apr 19, 2014, 10:57 P.M.

Mmmwwwaaa!!!

AP
Apr 20, 2014, 6:46 A.M.

Love, love, Love your spirit, your insight and how lucky your Mia is !!!

Sue Wahlert
May 15, 2014, 3:19 P.M.