Your Loving Dad

(Note from a father to his daughter after a fight)

My Dearest Daughter,

Even as I watch you sleep while I pull the cover on you, I find myself remembering the entire gamut of events surrounding you - the day you were born, the day you first spoke, how you took your first step and faltering clutched at my pajama leg, the day your mother and I took you to your first school (and how you bawled! It almost broke my heart! J), your first bout of illness, your chirpy wonderment about almost everything as we travelled far and wide, our morning exercises, and... whoosh! The years rushed by in a blur and there you were, suddenly grown up, capable of taking your own decisions about your life, ready to go away from me. I may not have been able to reconcile myself totally to the fact that you are no more daddy's little daughter but a fine young lady by your own right, as our fight this evening seems to indicate.

Very well, then. I would respect your decision and stand by you. Before you leave in the morning tomorrow, I just wish to tell you this...

I know I may've displeased you,
        My dear, might so it be -
But never, oh never, with yourself,
        Please, ever remain angry.
If you feel you've got to go,
        Do go away from me,
But torn asunder from yourself
        May never have you to be.
Whether or not you've placed in me
        A faith so sound and firm,
Always, though, believe in yourself;
        None, then, can do you harm.
Whether or not the sky spreads
        A canopy to cover your head,
May your own two feet always be
        Strong, on firm ground set.
If you wish to call me disloyal,
        Do so by all means -
Make it a point, then, ever to be
        Honest to yourself, please.
Come, let me tell you somethin'
        O my little miss,
No one else may ever, ever
        Be going to tell you this...
You've only yourself to
        Seek out to the end,
Whether or not while on this journey
        With you you have any friend.
Support emanating from within you
        Is with what you live;
The shelter you seek is what to you
        None else but you can give.

May you be happy in your life, full of zest and spirit and vitality as you always have been, and may your every effort be deserving of success.

Your Ever Loving Dad.