You look at me with concerned eyes,

Confused, when did I suddenly become an adult?

Seemingly ready to leave the childhood you helped me build for so many years.

You reminisce of the days you would throw me over your shoulder after a softball game

Promising ice cream for the play I made,

Creating sweet memories overrun by heavy bellies full of sugar,

And our same dry humor sending breathless laughs into the open air. 

You never truly understood those days would eventually come to an end.

Soon to be replaced by quiet nights in the house after an argument,

Strain our relationship hadn’t endured before.

Two stubborn personalities fighting like fire and ice,

A gift I received from you nonetheless. 

Days once spent together suddenly consisted of

Late nights with my friends,

Learning to drive,

Even going on my first date…

You didn’t realize how fast it would all go by

But now here we are;

Holding a hug that feels like the hardest goodbye.

You look at me and say, 

“You know you will always be my little girl, right?”

I manage to quickly smile and nod, swallowing the lump in my throat.

I turn to leave you and mom by the car,

Choking back tears, as I fight the urge to take a look back.

 I promise I will never forget those memories you keep so close to you,

The infinite amount of good days

And even some of the bad.

You made me who I am.

It’s because of you I will be strong with a bull-headed spirit,

Courageous through joy and laughter,

And most importantly,

Compassionate by loving those around me no matter what, just like you. 

Thank you, Dad.