Daddy's Little Girl

For the first man in my life... 

We've had ups and downs, but our relationship has always been 

based on love.  

Life hasn't always been easy, partly because of your choices

and partly because of the demons chasing you. 

But at the end of the day?  I knew if I ever needed you, 

all I had to do was pick up the phone. 

You would be there for me, forever and always. 

Because that's what parents do.  They love their children.  

So many of my earliest memories revolve around our relationship. I remember sitting

in your room listening to records.  Or sitting in your lap driving

in the neighborhood.   Taking me to your favorite restaurants.  

I can't drink a Cherry Limeade from Sinic without picturing your face. 

And later?  When I was an angry teenager, you bonded with me with music.  

It was always our one common factor.  

In the midst of some of our arguments, you said I reminded you of my mother. 

The way I argued with you or would get so mad that I couldn't even talk to you. 

Which is probably true... but also?  I see so much of you in myself.  

My nose, the shape of my face, my cheeks..   

And now that I'm a mother, I see you in my own babies. 

The older Andrew gets, the more he looks just like you..  He has your mannerisms, lanky and tall.

My daughter has your eyes..  they are the bluest blue.  

Just like you did with me, I've created our own version of

a musical guessing game.  

They can often name the artist of a song before I even ask. 

5 generations

2008 at the zoo

on my wedding day

Because you have meant so much to me

I hope you have the happiest of birthdays today.  

I hope the next 50 are as memorable as the first.