Letter to My Dad

by:   Cheep

Dear Dad:

The time is drawing near for you to move on to that special place with God. I stand here helpless as he makes his choices. I would give anything to keep you by my side forever, but that is not to be. I will stand back and watch you go peacefully into the next life where you will be happy and safe. My little girl waits for you there. She will guide you through your journey as your mother guided her. I remain behind with my heart full and heavy with the love and memories we have built together.

I will remember the knee I sat upon while growing up. The laugh that I could always find in a crowd of people. The harshness of your voice when I had done wrong. The gentleness with which you always held me when I cried. Much like the gentle way you are holding me now to ease my pain of losing you. The hardships of growing up and being an unruly teenager.

The looks of pain you gave me when I didn't know any better. The pride in your eyes when I accomplished my goals. The joy you felt when you held my son for the first time. The arguments and the agreements we have always shared. Our love for oysters and sardines. All the help you have given me over the years that has always been there, sometimes before I even knew I needed it. The beagle you brought home for me when I was a little girl. The adventures that beagle and you had. I smile at the thought of it all. My first horse and the Christmas saddle. I could go on but I don't need to. You have these memories too.

The path we have traveled together has been a winding one. Over a lot of bumps along the way, you have helped to make me the woman I am today. I have the self confidence and the ability to acheive all my goals in life. You took the time to teach and the time to show me along the way. I thank you for all you have given me and for all you have been.

You have given me life and in your death you will give me life again. You will rise in my heart and be a driving force in my future. I will gather strength from you in all my days.

You will always be my dad. I love you and carry you with me forever.

Love always,

Your little girl.

Cheep
(1998)