For going on break when my mom went into labor
When I was one he bought a family pet named Tobi
So I made my first best friend
When I was two he worked as a machinist at Chicago Roll
So I could have diapers and food
When I was three he continued to work hard
And he supported the family
When I was four he read my stories each night before bed
So I would have calm and pleasant dreams
When I was five he took me to Disney World
And let me meet all my favorite Disney characters
When I was six he took me to Yogi Bear Jellystone Park
So we could roast marshmallows and tell scary stories
When I was seven he spent every Sunday morning with me
And took me to Old Country Buffet for brunch
When I was eight he moved out of the house
Because my mom filed an order of protection against him
When I was nine I barely saw him
Because he had limited visitation rights
When I was 10 I moved in with him
And he let me and my sister decorate our bedroom
When I was 11 he took care of me
And kept a roof over my head
When I was 12 he taught me about responsibility
And made sure me and my sister got along well
When I was 13 he got sick
And he bought me a puppy that I named Cleo
When I was 14 he went into the hospital
And my best friend Tobi died
When I was 15 he was in and out of the hospital
And he began to get depressed
When I was 16 he died
And I had to give Cleo away
When I was 17 I moved back in with my mom
It was hard and we did not get along at all
When I was 18 I got my first boyfriend
I always wished my dad was there to meet him
I am almost 19 now and I miss him daily
I started college and he wasn't there to see me off
When the holiday season rolls around
He is not there to buy a present for
When it is my birthday
He isn't there to see me another year older
When I get meet Mr.Right and am ready to get married
He wont be there to walk me down the aisle
When I graduate from college and a degree in writing
He will not be there tell me how proud he is of me
When I am matured and am ready to have a child
He will not be there to spoil them as he did for me
My dad will miss a lot of my life now that he is gone
But he was there for enough that I wont forget
The way he raised me and the things he taught me
Will stay with me forever and be passed on to my children
He told me to stay close to my sister
And to this day we make it a point to be best friends
He told me to try hard in school
But I seem to have lost my determination
He told me to stay happy and right with God
I tried but that has proven to be the most challenging
He told me never to forget him
And at least that I can promise - I never will.
