Goodbye

I’ll always remember the things that we did, When you were my dad and I was your kid. You were everything then that I wanted to be, And you’re fully the reason why I became me. We drew Indian villages on big cardboard sheets, And on Sunday evenings we’d have midnight feasts. You would toast us a crumpet on the fire with your fork, You would play the Atari whilst I would just talk. I would sit on the side while you made us both toast, Whilst I told you wild stories of some made up coast, You encouraged my dreaming and imagination, You helped me to learn and embrace education. You worked all hours going to put food on the table. But you always made time to play games when you’re able. All the kids in the area joined our huge snowball fights, And most still remember you taught them to ride bikes. We had all that we wanted and then some more on top, With a legendary dad who was cream of the crop, And as we grew up, and as we became men, You were best friend and confident and then dad again. If ever I needed advice or a moan, You would always be there on the end of the phone, You would listen for hours and though nothing was solved, You would focus my mind, my belief and resolve. You’re my teacher, my mentor and my happy place, And though you leave us too soon there’s a smile on my face, For your legacy shows how you’ve relished this life, Leaving four loving sons and your Gail, your wife. It’s so hard as I write this and say my goodbyes, I will miss you for always and have many more cries. But I want you to know whilst you’re leaving is sad, How grateful I am to have had you as my dad. In all I’ll achieve and the places I’ll see, You’ll always be there seeing it right with me, And if I’ve one regret, one thing I didn’t do, It’s becoming a Dad who is loved just like you. I owe you more than words; till we meet again old man.