Dad

He followed behind when I first rode my bike
Dropped shiny new coins on each long hike
Never missed a recital, a speech or a play
Taught me what was important at the end of a day.

Childhood flew, it was easy I thought
But now as a parent, I know it was not
And when I became that rebellious teen
I told him I hated him, I was only 15.

He sat a boy down, said, "It's time that you go"
"You're not to see her, if you do, I will know"
That led down a path of secrets and lies
I'm sure that he saw it, lying deep in my eyes.

Our dinners alone at the end of a week
Where I hated university and barely could sleep
Would make me feel special, would always be treasured
It was simply just dinner, amazing conversations would vary.

B.C. changed my life, even for a short time
When it didn't work out, he was the first in line
Buying the ticket that would return me back safely
No questions asked, a father protecting his baby.

I was slowly maturing, he knew it too
He got me that first big job with money that grew
The job led me out of the house and into my own
I was my own person, now fully grown.

Walked me down the aisle that sunny day in June
Our song was My Girl, the band played in the room
When I finally had my own sweet daughter, then son
His eyes teared up with immense pride, joy and love.

He gave me the best advice of my life
When the marriage fell apart and I was no longer a wife
His notes, cards and letters I still have to this day
When so many of my dreams were taken away.

A few years went by, and no one could have guessed
He would hear the word, "cancer", with one little test
He fought a bigger battle, braver than anyone I know
Never complaining, trying to remain in control.

And another day in June, this time for death
Would stop all his pain and bring eternal rest
We spoke at his funeral, and on his behalf
Evoking tears, but also the laughs.

Of a man that died with heart, dignity and grace
The disease took his voice, but never his face
His eyes I will remember when he was trying to speak
Using no words, was a difficult feat.

Dad, what I told you, will always ring true
You were the best dad, I am grateful for you
May you rest in peace, I still wish you were here
But I know you are watching, I know that you're near.

I love you.