First Love

As a little girl I look up to you

walking in your steps was all that I knew.

The games we played, the times we've shared

you've shown in everything, the way you've cared.

The older I got, the more I knew

the joy it was to be with you.

You've always been around for me

and always loved me unconditionally.

You've often shown me right from wrong

and taught me to be meek and strong.

Your patience and your gentle care

was everlasting and always there.

A young lady I soon grew up to be

and academics I accomplished successfully.

With all your love and all your praise

a successful woman you surely did raise.

Dad, in writing this I just wanted to say

how much I love you in every way.

You'll always be the king of my heart

because you were my love from the very first start.

"Through the years, you've never let me down
You turned my life around, the sweetest days I've found
I've found with you, through the years
I've never been afraid, I've loved the life we've made
And I'm so glad I've stayed, right here with you
Through the years"

Papa,

Where do I even start? I guess I will start by saying the first two things that come to mind. Thank you and I love you.

You are, without a doubt and without equal, the greatest man I have ever known. I cannot think of a single man of any age or background that can compare to you. You have been everything as a father that a daughter could ever want or need. You were kind and loving to me, providing for my basic needs as well as giving me gifts.

Thank you for being faithful to mom. You came home every night after work. You helped around the house, made sure the bills were paid, and loved her faithfully, even though times were very hard and there were many struggles.

Thank you for teaching me to pray, to work hard and take pride in my accomplishments, to save my money and put God first in my finances, and to be compassionate to everyone, especially the poor and the sick and those in need. In the future, I want my son/s to be like you, because you are such a great man.

through all the ups and downs,success and failures, highs and lows... i've always found you beside me. thank you for always being there. You worked so hard all those years to give us a good life, and you were there.

Finally, on this Father’s Day, I want you to know how much I still need you. I cannot imagine a world without you. I always think about you and feel loved, secure, safe, and cared for. The thought of not being able to see you or pick up the phone and hear your voice makes me afraid. What would I do without you? Who would I be without you? Somehow by God’s grace, you were everything I ever needed. You were perfect. The perfect daddy. My best friend and my hero, and I will love you and mom til' the day i die.

Happy Father’s Day, papa, from your biggest fan.

bea