Wish You Were Here

Dear Dad, I wish you were here…

I wish you were here to see me graduate,

Walking in my cap and gown with honors is my destined fate,

I wish we could talk about all of my fears,

As I head out into the world for my college years...

(I know you would give me wise advice as I begin my new adventure)

I wish you were here to take me fishing,

You must know that I spent the last 10 years wishing,

That we could sit on our boat in the quiet sun,

Relaxing and fishing and talking about all our great fun…

(I know it was you favorite thing to do, and I would really like to experience it again with you-if only for a day)

I wish you were here to hug me so tight,

Like you did on my kindergarten moving up night,

The picture of the two of us during that celebration,

Has always been one of my favorite illustrations…

(of your deep love and affection for me)

I wish you were here to talk to me about your struggles with dyslexia, you see,

We happen to have that one in common, you and me,

A part of me likes knowing that you had it too,

It’s like I get to carry around a very special piece of you...

(in addition to all of the ways in which Mom says I am so very much like you)

I wish you were here to drop me off at college,

I know that you would be so proud of the knowledge,

I gained throughout all of my years of hard work,

And playing the violin as a special perk…

(I know that even though you didn’t get to achieve your dream of going to college, you would be so proud of me)

I wish you had been here for so many, many things,

To guide me and love me and hug me and to help me build my wings,

But I know deep down in my heart,

That the 7 years I had you were the very best part…

(as they provided me with the foundation that has allowed me to soar into the world)

I wish you were here...

I miss you and love you so much,

Katie Richardson