I dedicated this to Dad when I left home at 17.

When I was your bouncing baby of One,
you did all the things that had to be done.

As your would-be toddler of TERRIBLE Two,
You started me promptly
on my "don'ts" and my "do's."

Coming into the Charming age of Three,
I learned that some things belonged to you
and yes, Some things belonged to me.

Climbing to the Curious age of Four,
you taught me 1-100, and so much more!

As your Courageous Kid of Kindergarten Five,
you taught me how to cut with scissors
and not to cut with knives.

When I reached that Surprising age of Six
you shared with me laughter and magic tricks.

In my Doubtful Days of the age of Seven,
you taught me how to change schools,
and dogs can go to Heaven!

As your growing little girl of Eight,
you helped me learn to cook
and helped me not to hate.

Becoming your "Pretty Young Lady" of Nine,
we shared the pain of surgery,
and the whole world was mine!

When I reached that Grown-Up age of Ten,
we went to the "drawing board"
and back . . . again.

Then I was Twelve--in that Big Jr. High;
Suddenly Sixteen and learning to Drive!

Now I'm Seventeen and thinking of things
like big Steady Jobs
and small Diamond Rings.

I'm not now a child, no longer at play,
but we've been together through the years,
and I've just got to say:

Though tomorrow I know not what's to be had,
I do know you will always be there, Dad!