Dear Dad.

Dear Dad,

When I was a child, I was your little girl

I’d stand on your feet while we danced and we twirled

You were the world me to and nobody knew

That the bond we shared was stronger than the strongest glue

You would listen to the a.m. radio while riding in the car

You had the windows down and we had to drive real far

You were the funniest man I have ever known

I look for your humor in everyone and I’m still looking, full-grown

You were the richest tooth fairy and you tucked me in the best

Your butterfly and Eskimo kisses have never topped the rest

You taught me how to ride a bike, skip rocks and fish

Being your best friend was a better gift than the biggest wish

We would call you daddy only when we wanted a toy

But you caught on and played our games, you knew our “secret” ploy

When we had to do chores we’d ask “Do we have to?”

And you’d respond by saying, “No, you get to.”

We would watch the best shows on TV

And we developed inside jokes just between you and me

You made the best sandwiches in the world

I’d make them like that every day if I could

Your love and taste for music is the greatest I’ve heard and sang

The Pumpkins, Peppers, Clapton, Petty, and Pearl Jam

Their songs are the soundtrack to my heart and soul

There was nothing better than singing out loud to your rock and roll

Baseball was our favorite sport to watch together

I’d always root for the same team as you

But somehow I ended up being an Angels fan

While you continued to be a Dodgers man

Somewhere down the line we drifted apart

You lost my trust and broke my heart

We tried to make it work but could never quite figure it out

But I knew you still loved me without a shadow of doubt

It’s been three long years since I saw you on graduation day

You couldn’t stay long, but it was special anyways

I last talked to you on my birthday and the conversation was better than the last

You learned that I was in Alaska doing what I love most

And then last Tuesday I found out that you died

My sister told me what happened and I collapsed and cried

I always had a feeling you would leave this world sooner than later

But I have a feeling you aren’t suffering and are feeling much better

I wonder if you can see me right now and if you can secretly hug me

That’s all I need from you in the midst of this quiet agony

I’m mad that you left us but sort of understand

You were needed somewhere else and your time had to end

No matter what happened between us, you will always be my dad

And I am so thankful for all the sweet memories that we had

You helped shape the person that I have become

Despite what I have said to you in anger and what I have done

I’ll be a grown up with a different life and family eventually

And I will continue to keep you in my heart and share you with my memory

I know that I haven’t told you lately, but I sure do love you

I’ve never stopped and never ever will

When I see you again in heaven we will have been made new

I hope you tell me funny jokes, sing me songs, and love me like you used to

Cause I sure do miss and love you, pot-bellied dad

I can’t wait to see you again and hold your weird 3-fingered hand.

Love your daughter,

Danielle