Thanks, Daddy
Today (March 29) is the fifth anniversary of my father’s death from cancer. I have received few blessings as wonderful and undeserved as the parents God gave me. This is a short piece I wrote at the time of his death.
When I was a baby, sometimes Daddy would hug me so hard it seemed like I would break. But I never did. I was always safe with Daddy. Thanks, Daddy. I love you, too.
Then when I was a little boy Daddy taught me how to ride a bike. Sometimes I thought I was going to fall. But I never fell when Daddy was with me. Thanks, Daddy. I love you, too.
When I got a little older Daddy taught me how to play ball. We would throw and catch and hit and laugh. It never got too dark to play with Daddy. Thanks, Daddy. I love you, too.
Sometimes Daddy had to take a trip for work and when he got home it was late at night. Sometimes he brought me a present and sometimes he didn’t, but he always came to kiss me good night. Thanks, Daddy. I love you, too.
When I was a teenager Daddy taught me how to drive. I think even Daddy got scared then. But he always knew what to do. Thanks, Daddy. I love you, too.
One day it was time for me to go to college. I was nervous because I’d never been so far from home. But Daddy said it was going to be all right, and it was. Thanks, Daddy. I love you, too.
When I became a man, I got married and had a son of my own. Sometimes I didn’t know what to do, but I could always trust Daddy’s advice. Thanks, Daddy. I love you, too.
Now I can’t see Daddy the way I used to. I can’t visit him or talk to him on the phone. But I can find him in my heart. And I bet he’s praying for me. Thanks, Daddy. I still love you, too.