Dedicated to my father,Edgar William Shoemaker.He died of a heart attack,many years ago, in the kitchen of our home. I watched as he died. He was a wonderful father, a good man and a positive, sustaining influence in his daughters life.

My first love,
was my best love.
It was an unconditional love,
he loved me completely, this love knew no pain.
I was his little buddy, his girl, co conspirator.


His love nourished me, sustained me,
kept me safe, protected me.
He laughed with me,
and I with him.
He was fearless,
he showed me how to be strong.

We drank beer and ate sardines on the back porch,
picked peaches from the orchards.
He taught me to swim, to fish,
he loved his beagles, and so did I.
He talked about life,and love.
He showed me how to care and be fair.

It was to last but ten years, this love.
And forever, too.

He left one day, unwilling he was,
he did not choose it,
The grim reaper came..
His eyes showed the only fear I ever saw...
that day,
as he was leaving me.
He did not want to leave.

I continue to miss him, yes I do.

His was my first love, my best love.