Cancer: Growing Too Fast

The third child I am,

born from my mother’s womb.

You were the first to hold me in that hospital room.

You saw my first steps,

my first day of school,

and you even taught me to swim in our pool.

Not only were you my daddy,

but my soccer coach and fan.

I looked up to you for strength,

and you were such a good man.

You showed me success by working each day.

You always provided in such a loving way.

You would come home tired,

and still gave more.

I would wait to see you, 

always asleep on the floor.

I remember the day as if time stood still.

Your diagnosis of cancer that made you so ill.

I was eight years old, 

thinking daddy just take a pill.

I watched the struggle for four long years.

I tried to be strong and hide my fears.

My Childhood now has been stripped away,

watching my daddy die a little more each day.

I look back now and see so clear,

I grew up within those few years.

The heartache and struggles they made me so strong.

I wish I could see you,

it has been so long.

I try each day to make you proud,

I know you see me through the clouds.

I am who I am because of you.

A woman, a teacher, a mentor, a wife.

I will love you, 

daddy all of my life.