Say Goodbye

My daughter dear, with all my love,

I write these words to let you know,

How much you mean to me today,

And how that love for you did grow.

Your mom and I were promised kids,

Two boys, two girls, is what it said,

But then a fifth, our love conceived,

A bonus girl (and one ahead).

My heart was filled with love so strong,

For my little daughter special.

Some favorite names, I gave to you

From grandmas, Mary, for me, Rachael!

And as you grew so very fast,

To young woman, from little girl,

I've been blessed to watch you grow,

You've truly set my life awhirl.

I see you now, so big, so tall,

So beautiful, brightly happy,

Yet I recall, the little girl,

Tear filled eyes and diaper crappy. :-)

My brown haired Rach is blonde inside,

My silly girl, who makes me smile.

You light my life with love and joy,

Frustration too, once in a while.

I love you Rach, for who you are,

Words cannot tell how very much.

I wish for you all things you want

That you might grasp all that you touch.

But sometimes I, from selfish greed,

Hold on too tight, to keep you near.

To miss your joy, your life so bright,

Would leave me dark, that's what I fear.

Because of love, I let you go,

But cry inside for missing you.

Go fly my Rach, go where you must,

And always know I love you true.

Return again, for short or long,

When things of life bring you this way

And brighten then your father's life,

For year, or month, or just a day.

Go where your life leads you to go.

But always take your father' love,

To keep you safe, while on your way

My prayers will be, to God above.