Not Just A Father, A Dad

Here I pulled the throttle back and leaned forward as my bike climbed the steepest hill in the pasture.

Here I bargained back and forth and held my ground to get my first truck.

Here I kissed every good looking girl in the room on New Years Eve.

Here I danced at a wedding with your mother for the very first time.

Here I curled up on this couch with her and watched Cheers in her small apartment room.

Here I kissed her in front of both our family and friends after we exchanged vows to start our lives together.  I still see her beauty in that moment and every moment since.

Here I held her hand with excruciating pain as she huffed and puffed in the hospital bed.

Here I held your little head in my arms for the very first time.

Here I carried you upstairs from a blanket on the floor after you dozed off while we all were watching America's Funniest Home Videos.

Here you persuaded me to buy yet another toy because you were so cute that I couldn't say no.

Here I held you on my knee and let you drive the tractor to the next gate.

Here you slingshotted water balloons at me in front of the house.

Here I lifted you up onto the saddle to ride no further than around the yard.

Here I watched your gaze turn to love as you looked down at your new baby sister.

Here I gathered sand by the ocean so you could make your first sand castle while the waves glided forth to the edge of my callused feet.

Here I sat by the campfire with you asleep in my arms until I had to give you up to your mother who took you to sleep in the tent.

Here I wrapped your icicle toes in my coat to warm them up until the buck walked into the clearing at the edge of the field.

Here I cooked you a steak at 1 am because you ruined your supper by eating chips before we sat down to eat.

Here I hugged you after each football game and felt how proud of you I am.

Here I watched you grow to become a man, through all the steps, the trials, the glories, the smiles, the laughs, the love.  I was there.

JayZ