When I think of you, you are still 51, your face in my mind so clear

But there are times I will admit I question if you were really ever here

For it seems quite impossible that you’ve been gone for such a long while

That we’ve all had to endure life without your beautiful smile

Always something fun up your sleeve, your face wearing a grin so sly

Gleefully playing “guess what food” as you introduced something new for us to try

The countless trips to the library, watching movies or playing games of chess

Entertaining us with stories from your past, and always a bit of mischief to confess

Offering your warm embrace and kisses, endless words of comfort and wisdom whenever we were in need

If I thought it would bring you back, I’d find a way up to Heaven and plead

“Oh, God, please give me back my dad, I need him, I really do. He gave so much to my world and he needs me, too.”

But perhaps, all along, that was the plan

God knew we’d only have a dad for a short time so he appointed the perfect man

Someone who could give his four daughters endless love and attention with enough to spare

To keep them and hold them for the years he couldn’t be there

But still, it hurts that you can’t meet your grandkids and see

How we raise them and continue your loving legacy

If I close my eyes and think real hard, I can actually hear you call my name

A voice that I miss so much and without it, a life that will never again be the same

But having a memory of you to recall is better than most people will ever have at all

So I honor you by living life to the fullest because I know that’s what you’d want for me

And I look forward to the day where together again we will be

I hope you are enjoying your birthday in heaven, Dad, and I promise you I’m not going to be sad

I have so many wonderful memories of you and for that, I am forever glad

So I envision you playing a round of golf with your buddies or checking on your favorite horses at the track

And someday, I promise to have a capicola and salami sandwich waiting for you when you get back. ❤️