Today is my birthday. It’s the first one where I won’t get a call from my Dad. I should have already gotten a card because he liked to send them early.  He was never one for writing his raw thoughts (like me), but he did know how to pick out a card. This is the last birthday card I got from Daddy:

————–

My Daughter

If I could gather up
all the smiles, laughs,
memories, and pride
that you’ve brought me
through the years
and give them back to you,
I would.

Maybe that way you’d understand just what it means
to have a daughter like you
and why you’re one
of the most important things
in the world to me.

Alicia,
No one could ever
love a daughter
and believe in her more deeply
than I love and believe in you.

Happy Birthday
Love,
Daddy & Mia

—————

I miss you, Daddy. I miss you every second and with every breath. I love you. You’re my Daddy and my best friend and my favorite person. Always and always and always and forever.