Bill Ryan's Other Blog

Like many parents, I have to be careful about bragging about my daughter (M.C. Cuckooette).  As wonderful as she is however, it’s really hard not to.  Roughly 9 years ago, I first met her at Fatz in Spartanburg, when I went to dinner with several coworkers.  Her mother and I were friends for several months before we started dating so I’ve had the pleasure of knowing her for most of her life.  Watching a kid grow up is an awesome experience and seeing the adorable little monster who loved spilling drinks every time we went to dinner, grow into a lovely young lady has been as wonderful as something can be.

It was clear from very early on that she was brilliant.  She was always exceedingly curious and learned remarkably fast.  She’s always been a charmer and can make people around her laugh.  As she got older, her curiousity just increased and so did her love of learning. (Her sense of humor also developed quite quickly too – so in addition to having the smartest and cutest 10 year old on Earth, I also have one of the funniest).

Yesterday started out a bit rough. I had to drive to Charleston leaving at 4:00 AM and it was pouring the whole ride down. It took close to double what it normally takes to get there).  The day got better fast and kept going all day. 

When I called my wife after work, I told her about what had happened and we she was very pleased to hear it (I love my job more and more each day). She and Sarah were heading to church so I told her I wouldn’t be home until 9:00 or so.  Upon entering, i was greeted by my 3 other kids (the 4 legged ones).  Sarah saw I was home and came out to give me a hug.  I asked her how her day was and she said it was great.  She told me about her latest book (which is about 600 pages) and I couldn’t help but smile.   I’ve probably lost my title as the most avid reader in the house, but I’m more than happy to concede the title to M.C. 

It was close to bedtime but before she got tucked in her mom came over and said “Bill, Sarah has something to tell you.” Uh oh” I thought, Sarah and I had just spent 1/2 hour talking about our respective days so I assumed any surprises might not be good or she would have told me already.  She walked over to me with some paper stapled together.  She shyly handed over the papers and at the top of the first page I saw “112%”. 

It had already been a wonderful, albiet long, day but seeing my girl kick butt made it perfect.  100% on the test and 12 points of extra credit on her math test.  (Her mother was her high school Salutatorian and graduated with honors from college but it looks like her academic achievements will be outdone).

So yes, I’m shamelessly doting on her. 

Everyone thinks their kid is the smartest, cutest, funniest etc.  But M.C. Cuckooette gives me a lot to back up such assertions with.  Honey, just in case I didn’t make it clear already – nothing makes your mother and I happier than watching you grow up. Nothing is more enjoyable than just watching you be you.   We’d still think you were the greatest kid on Earth if you flunked every math test, never read a book, never cracked any funny jokes and still watched ICarly.  You could think the Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana were the greatest musicians evah, watch comedy shows with laugh tracks all day and only show me lame YouTube videos. That wouldn’t change a thing. (for the record, I’m glad you don’t .  I  We couldn’t be more proud prouder of you kiddo – but you know that already.