Favorite Child

I was at my gym the other day and was asked, "Which one of your daughters is your favorite?" I replied, "They are each my favorite."

It makes me ask, "Why would we, as parents compare our children? This question takes me back to a memory of my own childhood. 

When I was born, my dad went to the nursey and said, "Cuffman" and they showed him me.  He said, "No."  My older brother was blond, peaches and cream complexion, perfect in every way. I was black-haired, greasy looking, red-faced with forcept markings all over my face - not a baby a father would pick out as his first precious daughter.  But there was - "Cuffman" on my pretty little wrist bracelet. And they said, "Here is your daughter." My mother was so ecstatic to have a daughter, the had to tell her over and over ( anesthesia) until she finally understood. A daughter. She never thought she would have a daughter, only sons. My dad,was in shock.
So, I, as a girl, between, boys have lived that story my whole life. It's a good story. It taught me not to expect anything as each of my children were born. The gene pool that two parents present offers so many combinations - how could sibling ever be expected to be the same?
Each of my girls are as different as primary colors. Julia is red, demanding, challenging, a rock. Jocelyn is yellow, sunny, fundamental, a beacon. Emma is blue, cool, diplomatic, loving and Daphne, compassionate, is a rainbow, quietly defying definition.
Every day, I start by accepting that I know nothing and don't expect anything.  It's much easier to be a good parent  when you do that. My rewards humble me.