*******
Dad, this poem has something important to say to you
*****
I recall the day you put me on a horse, you taught me to ride
You said �Don�t let go, I�m right here by your side�.
I wasn�t sure if I could do it, I felt so very scared
Somehow I gained the strength, in the wisdom that you shared.
*****
Through my teenage years, I knew right from wrong
You instilled values and morals that helped me to be strong.
No matter where I was in life, I knew you always loved me
And when I needed solitude, you�d find a way to let me be.
*****
And as I grew up, there were times I knew everything
Or so I thought, until salty tears would cause my eyes to sting.
Taking your hand to wipe away the tears, you said it would be fine
I could count on you to be there, in the nick of time.
*****
The older I got, there were times I would fight back
With the advice that you gave me, from the chair in which you sat.
For my own good, the words were sometimes stern
And even though I cringed, you said there was a lesson I would learn.
*****
Suddenly, my heart opened, you became more than just my dad
You were someone I turned to, in good times and in bad.
My mentor, I looked up to you in more ways than one
And through your old fashioned ways, you made life a lot of fun.
*****
Now I am thirty-three dad, almost thirty-four
I�m beginning to notice, as I pace this hardwood floor.
Things are different now, I feel you have pulled away
Sensing it so much more with each new passing day.
*****
Knowing that your health sometimes makes you weak
Yet you remain strong with how you live and speak.
I know you are thinking, you aren�t the man you use to be
But you know something dad, you will always be that man to me.
*****
Dad, are you trying to push me away, has this become your goal?
If it is, please know you�ll destroy my heart and soul.
Somewhere deep down, there is still a little girl inside
Please don�t shut me out, don�t bury your heart and hide.
*****
And if it�s because you�re hurting and you don�t want me to know
Please understand keeping that from me is not the way to go.
My love for you is unconditional each and every day
I hold my hands out to you, please don�t turn me away.
*****
I remember the gift from you, the diary and its key
I was only twelve and since then my thoughts have been free.
Holding pen in hand I would write everything from my heart
Not ever thinking to leave out any detail or any special part.
*****
And the reason for this poem, is because I have to say, �Dad, I love you�!
These words come from my heart and I pray you know they're true
If you ever need someone to talk to, your little girl is here
No matter what time of day or night, I am always near.
*****
Copyright by Sandra Lee Henderson
Dedicated to my dad, a very special man in my life.
I may be grown now dad, but that little girl still remains inside. And it is that little girl that still needs you through the journeys she takes in life. I love you dad, more than words could ever say. I miss our times together and can only pray there will be more to share with you. I am always here for you dad, as you have been for me.
Song - Have I Told You Lately That I Love You