Watching you

be yourself

be a dad

giving so freely

taking delight.

Perfect affection.

Matching brown eyes and brown hair.

Your shared laughter

heals my deepest wound

like nothing ever has.

Watching her fearlessly need you

and be supported every time.

Your patience with this little one radiates out

and the warmth of it settles on the shoulders of my past selves like a warm blanket.

Sometimes it feels unfair that she knows not the darkness

of a father choosing to stay at sea.

She is growing up year after year with constant devotion, care, and love

poured right into her little heart.  Just like you remember to water the plants.

But I love this little human too!

And if ever I feel a little sting of the injustice,

I am also rejoicing in her innocence

because she will take that love and pour it into those that she loves. 

And she will radiate this love her whole life, just as your father gave you this gift.

A legacy of love that fills my cup and heals me as I bear witness.

Thank you for being you.  

And thank you for watering the plants.