The other day I saw a father and daughter at work together. I thought how lucky that girl was to be able to see her dad everyday. I wished for that. I longed for that. I wish that I could just call my dad and talk to him. I would be ok not seeing him everyday, but once in awhile would be WONDERFUL! I wish I could call him and get advice. I wish I could hear him call me "Roo" and feel him twirling my hair. He was such a great dad. He was someone I could always talk to, someone who thought the world of me, someone who made me feel important and special. My mother-in-law sent me this poem today, I have read it before but wanted to share it today because I thought it applied.
Daddy's Poem
Her hair was up in a pony tail, her favorite dress tied with a bow...
Today was Daddy's Day at school, and she couldn't wait to go.
Her mommy tried to tell her, she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand, if she went to school alone.
But she was not afraid; She knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates of why he wasn't there today.
But still her mother worried for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again she tried to keep her daughter home.
But the little girl went to school eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees a dad who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in back, for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently, anxious in their seats
One by one the teacher called a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly passed.
At last the teacher called her name, every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching for a man who wasn't there.
'Where's her daddy at?' She heard a boy call out.
'She probably doesn't have one,' Another student dared to shout.
And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say,
'Looks like another deadbeat dad, too busy to waste his day.'
The words did not offend her, as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher who told her to go on.
And with hands behind her back, slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child, came words incredibly unique.
'My Daddy couldn't be here because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be, since this is such a special day.
And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy, and how much he loves me so.
He loved to tell me stories, he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses, and taught me to fly a kite.
We used to share fudge sundaes and ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him., I'm not standing here alone.
'Cause my daddy's always with me even though we are apart
I know because he told me, He'll forever be in my heart'
With that, her little hand reached up, and lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress.
And from somewhere in the crowd of dads, Her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter who was wise beyond her years.
For she stood up for the love of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her, Doing what was right.
And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft, But its message clear and loud.
'I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star..
And if he could, he'd be here, but heaven's just too far.
Sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away.'
And then she closed her eyes, and saw him there that day.
And to her mothers amazement she witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children all starting to close their eyes.
Who knows what they saw before them, Who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second they saw him at her side.
'I know you're with me Daddy,' To the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers, of those once filled with doubt.
Not one in that room could explain it, for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her, was a fragrant long-stemmed rose.
And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, by the love of her shining star.
And given the gift of believing, heaven is never too far.
I know that Heaven is near, and those we have loved and lost are always more near than we realize. I am thankful for that belief. I am thankful I had such a terrific relationship with my dad. I love you Dad, miss you and look forward to the day when I get to "see" you again. Thank you for being such a good example to me, and showing me how to Be.
(Someday I'd like to write a book about my dad and our friendship.)
My scanner is not letting me edit these photos so this is the best I can do.
