A Letter to My Father

Hi Dad.

College is going well and everything.

And I know I’m only 30 minutes from home,

but I wanted to let you know

I love you and I miss you.

I heard once that it’s important to love someone

a little extra on their bad days.

And I believe it.

I know you have a lot of bad days.

When you’re so tired,

you can barely get out of bed,

and go on with your day.

It hurts to see you struggle,

but I know you’re fighting hard.

Somehow I feel you are even stronger than I am.

I still can’t begin to understand,

how the world could do this

to someone like you.

It shouldn’t be you,

but that’s just me being selfish I guess.

I can’t change anything,

I can’t hope this cancerous dilemma away.

But I really would if I could.

I try my best

to ignore the bleakness,

and the uncertainty.

I try my best

to be thankful,

and content with how things are.

I’m always glad to see you smile.

I’m always glad to see you think of me

now that I’m away.

And I’m always amused when you crack a joke.

You’ve always had an unrivaled sense of humor.

I love thinking about all the times

you’ve always been there for me.

I love the trips we’ve taken,

and the experiences we’ve shared.

Those I will never forget.

So I’ll be here to love you a little extra

on your bad days, and all of your days.

Just as you’ve loved me

my entire life.