“Where Daddy go?” she asks when she wakes.
“He’s at work,” I have to say.
She talks about you all day long,
says she wants daddy’s hugs.
It’s hard when we miss you, but her face lights up when she hears your truck.
“Daddy’s home!” She runs to the door.
She’s in your arms, and you’re hers once more.
I watch you with her, how you love and how you play,
how you teach and show her the way.
Your calloused hands so gentle in touch,
that caring embrace she loves so much.
Our baby girl grows right before our eyes,
yet you still make that sacrifice,
to provide and protect, to always be your very best.
All too soon the evening ends,
off to bed to do it again.
“Night, night, Daddy.” Her little arms hold you tight.
Don’t let go until she does, cherish each kiss she gives tonight.
Tomorrow she’ll be taller, but her hugs might be shorter.