Calycanthus, a flowering plant often found in Venetian gardens, blooms uniquely in the heart of winter. As the flowers bloom, their wonderful fragrance fills the air, hinting of spring’s arrival. According to Venetian tradition, to receive a few sprigs of Calycanthus, is to receive a gift of loving care.

This was the day you came into this world.

I saw your mum lying on the bed, all tired out from all the contractions she was having. Neither of us blamed you for it though, no no…..and me being a typical ‘man’ didn’t see it coming either. Your mum was livid. She was bright red and shouting obscenities at me, throwing whatever she could get her hands on at my head. She didn’t really blame me per se, it was just that she needed an outlet, and I understood that. So although her plastic cup did hit me square in between my eyes, I just kept smiling because I knew that you were coming soon.

I won’t go through the whole delivery process because, well, you girls just instinctively know about. I was right there though, holding your mums hand and getting mine squeezed as if it were an orange. Then I saw it, the top of your tiny little head, and yes, you had jet black hair (both your mum and I do, even if hers might look brown, but I’ll let her explain that to you).

Sigh, but that face. The face that even Helen of Troy would have killed for. You looked absolutely beautiful. All sleepy and with a look wondering what the fuss was about. Although you didn’t cry, I knew you were ok just looking into those eyes. In that moment, I fell in love with you wholeheartedly. I would have done anything, absolutely anything just to protect you and be there for you.

I remember the look on your mums face when she held you in her arms. I knew she fell for you hook, line and sinker too. She’s always kept herself fairly reserved, with only glimpses of what she really feels. But on this day, the day you came into this world, she opened up to you instantly. You were our little girl, and the two of us couldn’t be prouder, couldn’t be happier that it was you that chose to come to us.

Maybe I’m just

Not the one

For you