Oh how the mighty have fallen…or have we?

Fatherhood has been an eye-opening experience. My suppositions of what being a parent might entail have been supplanted by such inescapable realities as pink diaper bags, ballet recitals, soccer practice, and endless birthday parties. Being a father to two girls has made for a very different me, indeed. Although I was well equipped to teach throwing, running, and boy stuff, the “girlier” pursuits proved to be more of a challenge.

Despite my best efforts at turning my three and five-year-old girls into boys, they have still managed to become obsessed with the color pink and anything princess-related. So, I evolved, lest I perish. Now, a mere five years after my journey began, my transformation is so complete that the new me can put on a pair of tights as fast as any woman (on my girls that is). I can give baths, brush teeth, shop at rummage sales, and keep appointments (doctor, dentist, hair, teacher conferences, etc.) like a master. I can scarcely remember the last time I did anything solely for myself. My transformation is complete.

This past weekend, in my continuing efforts to support the youthful whims of my daughters, I found myself at a J.M. Barrie production of Peter Pan. The musical was staged under a giant circular tent in Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park. Yes, while some of you folks were watching disc dogs at the Purina Incredible Dog Challenge (just an Xtreme Distance toss away) I found myself watching crocodile’s, one-armed pirates, and fairies do battle with swords.

While a single man with no kids might scoff at the idea of going to watch a silly children’s story, that same single man would have missed the dance of Tiger Lilly (I should add that all the actors were grown ups!). All I can say is, J.M. Barrie was a kindred spirit…a man’s man. Fellows, you can have all of your dating, your late-night drinking, your non-pink colors. I’ll be content with princesses and tutus…as long as I get to watch Tiger Lily dance every now and again.

For the record, I believe in fairies…

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