He had played with me all day.
A surprise, since he was always
busy at work.
At bedtime he told me something
that I didn't understand.
He told me to be brave,
that he would always be with me.

I am 4 years old.

He left us that night.
No hugs, no good-byes.
A broken heart that couldn't bear to see
his little girl for the last time.

We woke up in a lonely, quiet house.
My Mom and I, we went on with our lives.
Our lonely lives without Daddy.
I was too young to understand.

Daddy, where are you?
Two mean men came today.
They were dressed in uniform.
They made Mommy cry
But she said to be strong.

I am 5 years old.

Where are you Daddy?
You missed my birthday again.
I'm all grown up now and
I try to be strong.
But I still don't understand.

I'm 6 years old.

"Where did Dad go?", I ask.
They said "to fight in a war.
To protect the ones he loved,
To stand up brave and tall."

I am 7 years old.

Today I graduated with honors.
All done to make ONE proud.
I could see and feel Dad's presence
In that empty seat next to Mom.