My Daughter E Made My Heart Burst With Pride

My 20 year old daughter, as regular readers may know, is in university studying to be a nurse, specialising in child nursing. She is currently in her third and final year. So all the hard work of A’ levels and then the first two years of university are culminating in this final six months or so.

My pride for her was really brought home in the last few months. In the summer she went out to Uganda to help in a deprived poverty stricken area at the local hospital. Now this would probably shock most of us with the poor conditions and hygiene, as well as the lack of medical supplies and staff. We may moan about the NHS, and believe I have moaned about it like the rest of us, but after hearing what she told me about the conditions of the hospital in Uganda, I’m not sure I will ever moan about the NHS again.

A few days ago she phoned me to tell me about an assignment that she has been working on for a while, and I knew her results were due any time. Her hard work has payed off as she achieved 80% which is equivalent to a first. What makes this all the more satisfying is that I clearly remember in the first few months of her first year, when she would phone me stressed out that she simply didn’t understand all the medical terms etc.

I kept telling her don’t worry, be patient, work hard and it will just fall into place. My daughter has a wonderful memory that stores knowledge like a sponge, and is no doubt academically blessed. Not like her father ha ha!

I always knew she would be fine and see no reason why she won’t go on and qualify as a nurse next summer, although nothing is certain. So if you are reading this E, keep putting in this massive effort and there is no doubt you will be successful.

When I finished the phone call I took a moment to let it sink in what she had told me, and it just made my heart burst with pride, and it actually brought a tear to my eye of happiness for her. I then text her to tell her how very proud I am of her, because although we are proud of our children’s achievements, maybe I don’t tell them often enough. I guess I just wanted her to know I love her and feel blessed to be her dad.

All of my children, at different times make me proud with their achievements. Just every now again it’s nice to tell them.

Do you tell children your you are proud of them? I would love to hear your thoughts.