Tribute to My Dad

My Dad

On this day so many years ago,
my dad passed away, and I still miss him so.
I remember that day so very clear.
It was spring time and the sun was shining,
to make it so far, the warmest day of year.
Dad had been sick for such a long time,
and his suffering had been hard on his mind.
He wanted me to shave him
so he would look good.
Since he had never asked me before,
I knew that I should.
He seemed like he knew he was going somewhere.
The thought of shaving him gave me quite a scare.
I had never shaved anyone before.
I was afraid I would cut him and make him bleed,
and he told me to stop the fear I was having, because there was no need.
He let me know I could do it just fine.
I had to do it because his illness
had caused him to become almost blind.
I shaved him and it was as easy as could be.
I told him his face was smooth and pretty to see.
That hour or so I spent taking care of him,
was the last close moments my dad and I would spend,
together as father and daughter and being best friends.
He always called me “Baby” because I was the youngest of ten.
I was always his baby right up to the end.
He died that night and went to see God and my mom.
He wanted to look nice for his greeting,
and to be welcomed to his new home.
I am sure he is not ill and suffering anymore,
and he is happy in Heaven with my mom for evermore.
I know he watches over me, “His Baby,” still to this day,
because I feel his loving presence in so many ways.

This is the 16th anniversary of my Dad’s passing.

Copyright © by Judith Pleasant 4/10/2004