Congrats to your D on her first car! My D18 just got her first one as well. D's Dad did help her with it and sent me a pic of her picking it up. I was touched that he thought to do that and thanked him for it.
In turn, the very next day, I sent my H a pic of our D12 all decked out in her Halloween costume. (She was beautiful!) She was on her way to her first dance!
He has spoke very little to me since I sent the pic. In fact, D asked him if he had received the pic. He said, "Yeah" in a not so nice tone. She told him Mommy had fixed her up and she won first place for best costume. He didn't respond at all to her. Her feelings were hurt.
I have sent him pics of the kids before such as first day of school type of things. He always has said, thanks.
All I can think is that maybe he is starting to realize how much he is missing out on. Who knows?
You're right, they'll never get that time back, and that's very sad for all concerned.
One thing we can be thankful for and that is that it isn't us who may one day wake up and realize how much we gave up to chase a fantasy.
You've made memories with your D that she'll never forget! Thank God for those blessings!
