On some days, you were father and mother, too

As an earthly parent, there could be no other you

You combed my hair for school and taught me as I grew

I struggled with math, but thank God- you knew

Our relationship was tested through my teenage years

Only unconditional love could cast out my fears

You taught me how to cook, clean, and keep house

Just in case, I might someday become a spouse

I thought you were too strict with your rules

I got tired of you saying no, and your can’t do’s

I thought I wanted out and away from you

I became an adult, and thanked God that you were you

Your love kept me safe and out of harms’ way

You were sheilding and protecting me, day by day

I never told you how much I enjoyed the stories you told

Your jokes were never ending, no matter how old

Holidays were a treat, looking forward to the laughter

We would still be laughing, some times weeks after

I inherited your smile and your laughter too

Your gentle spirit, and meekness, I got that from you

I never knew struggle until I lived on my own

Some days I longed to only come home

We thought we were poor, we were so misguided

You shielded, you protected and you provided

You fought that disease as long as you could

You never lost your sense of humor, never gave up and that was good

We laughed and talked until the end

I miss you terribly- my dad…my friend…..

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