For Chloe

Dad’s little girl from the very first day,
The love I had for you took my breath away.

Ten tiny fingers and ten tiny toes,
Beautiful blue eyes and a cute button nose.

You were beautiful then, just like you are now,
To have raised such a wonderful person, I still wonder how.

We were best friends while you were growing up,
Daddy’s little girl, I couldn’t believe my luck.

Each morning you’d cry when I went off to work,
Then run to the door when I came home from the murk.
A cheeky grin, a laugh, a hug so tight,
You made every long day end just right.

I’d chase you around, pretending to be a monster,
You’d giggle, you’d hide, then peek from the corner.

Then bedtime would come and I’d read you a story,
Of fairies, unicorns and magical glory.

Then dance came along and your light shone bright,
Grace in your steps and a heart full of light.

Studious and smart, you’ve got what I lack,
A better version of me, that’s a simple fact.

I can’t find the words to say how proud I am,
From the day you were born, my life truly began.

I didn’t mature much, that much is true,
I was still young myself, but in my heart I knew —
All I wanted was to be your best friend,
To make you proud, right to the end.

Because a daughter like you deserves love without measure,
A dad to protect you, to cherish and treasure.

Watching you grow has been my greatest success,
I’m the dad who gets to say, “My daughter’s the best.”

And now here we are, on a journey unknown,
And this poem might take a more fragile tone.

Because it scares me to know there are things I might miss,
Moments I may not be there for, a cuddle, a kiss.

To see you walk down the aisle, to watch your dreams grow,
To hold your first child, to share in the glow.

These are the moments I might not get to see,
But whether I do or I don’t, I’m as proud as can be.

Because you are my daughter, and from the very first day,
I’ve loved you completely, in every way.

So when I’m gone, it’s never goodbye,
Whenever you need me, just look to the sky.
The invisible string that connects us now,
Will tug at your heart and guide you somehow.

Know that I’ll love you in this life and the next,
Our bond is eternal, unbroken, complex.

But right now I am here, and memories we’ll make,
With laughter, with love, with each breath we take.

So thank you, Chloe, for letting me be your dad,
And I hope these words don’t make you too sad.
I look back with love, it’s been quite a whirl,
And I thank God every day that you’re my little girl.

Love always,
Dad