Daddy's Little Girl

**Won First Place in "Daddy Dearest Contest"; featured in People's Choice Newsletter**

**Won Third Place in Mommy4Life's "Show Some Emotion Contest"**

**Won Honorable Mention in "And The Award Goes To..."**


Daddy’s Little Girl

I knew you:
Reading stories before bedtime;
Sharing a new pebble, flower, shell;
Tickling my sides while I gasped for air;
Resting your beard on the crown of my head;
Holding my hand while I cried.

I knew you:
A man highly respected,
Full of strength, love, wisdom.
Standing tall, proud, behind me,
Supporting my dreams,
Ready to catch me if I fell.

I knew you:
Walking me down the aisle,
Offering a word, a touch, a kiss.
Holding me close as we danced.
Watching me from across the room,
Brushing away the dampness of a tear.

I knew you:
Making that phone call,
Choked with tears, loss, love.
Struggling to be strong for us.
Retreating deep inside your hurt,
Dazed by the sudden blow.

I know you:
Ready to move on.
Looking for support, acceptance, love,
As you supported and loved me
Throughout my childhood years.
It’s time to stand on the other side.

I know you:
As I know myself,
Suffering fear, anger, resentment.
I don’t want you to love her.
I don’t want her to stand between us.
I’m afraid of what might happen.

I know you:
And I know her,
Giving hope, contentment, peace.
Guiding you to a new beginning.
Just as I know I will always be
Daddy’s little girl.