I remember it like it was yesterday
The first time I laid my eyes on him
Although I was 16 years old
I felt like a newborn

To meet my Dad for the first time
Was all too overwhelming
The anger, the deceit, the lies
All rolled into one was too much to bear
But it was the love he had for me
That wiped away all the negative feelings I felt toward him

It was a new chapter in my life
To finally meet my Dad
To finally feel complete
Someone to finally call my own
He gave me a place in this world
To finally fit in
And to finally belong

Then there was this thing called growing up and moving on
I'm happy where I went and happy where I am
Through the years he never left my side
He was always on my mind

December 25, 2005
The happiest day of my life
I will never forget the best walk I ever took
A dream come true for Dad to walk with me
And escort me toward the life of marriage
I am oh so grateful I had that with you
Thank you Dad

Then recently you gave me something else
Something I will hold close for the rest of my life
You gave me the last 3 weeks of your life
To be able to be with you one last time
Was the best time I could ever ask for
I will forever cherish our time together
The jokes, the laughs, and most of all, the love you had within you
Thank you Dad

So people now say you're in a better place
That is something I will always disagree on
For me, the better place to be is with the ones you love
I believe in the saying that life isn't fair
But it's out of our control
You are needed elsewhere

So thank you Dad for all you've done for me
But mostly, thank you for all the love you've shown and given me

I LOVE YOU DAD!