One of the greatest gifts a dad can give to their child, is just being present in their life. The time dads spend with their children does not go unnoticed. Dad’s can be so fun and full of energy and life. Strong enough to lift you over their head and fast enough to chase you around. Brave enough to go on camping trips and adventurous enough to take you on hikes and go fishing.

They say that being a daddy’s girl is one of the greatest things. A man who sets an example of how to be strong yet gentle, firm but kind. Having an unbreakable bond with a dad is so important. Not everyone has that, so if you do, treasure it. Be kind to those who have lost it, for it’s a pain that is hard to bear.

If there’s anything we’ve learned over this last year, it’s how not to take things and people for granted. The time we get to spend with them. The memories we have shared and the hard ways we have had to say goodbye to some of the most important people in our lives.

I know some incredibly strong young women personally who have lost their dads over this last year, and even more before then. I hope this poem I wrote inspired by one of those special young ladies, helps more of you to heal who have lost that irreplaceable man in your life.

I want to encourage you to keep those memories alive, in any way possible. They might even make you feel closer to your dad, even though he is physically no longer with you.

Daddy’s Girl

Nothing can quite explain the emptiness of you not being here
Each day I wake up and have to relive my worst fear.
I think about something, I instantly have to share
I pick up the phone, then remember you’re not there.
Who am I supposed to call when my car breaks down?
Who will intimidate my new boyfriend when I bring him around?
Who is going to tell the jokes, no one else thinks are funny?
Or give me advice on how to invest my money?
What about those weekend trips we spent out by the lake?
And all the father-daughter memories I’m supposed to make?
What do I do when Father’s Day comes each June?
Or when people expect me to move on, but it feels too soon?
When will the days not seem quite as tough?
My time with you was simply not enough.
I’m not sure how to move forward, without feeling such grief
Or be mad that cancer took you from me like a thief.
I’ll try to remember all the memories we’ve shared
And how lucky I was, to have a dad that really cared.
The memories we’ve shared, won’t be hard to find
I’ve engraved each one, so they will be fresh on my mind.
There still will be times, where more tears are shed,
But I’ll try not to lose sight of all the life I have ahead.
The lessons I’ve learned will shape the life I lead,
I know you’d want me to live a full life and succeed.
I’ll look after mom, she’s still in good hands
And we’ll still include you in all of our plans.
We’ll visit you often and talk every day
And laugh as we imagine exactly what you’d say.
Know that I love you and that I’ll always remember
The wonderful memories we’ve experienced together.
You’ll always be with me; I’ll carry you in my heart
And even though it seems like it, we won’t feel that far apart.
I’ll find the strength I need, please know that I’ll be fine
And I’ll forever be thankful that you were once mine.

~ Jennifer R. W. Vargas

Related poems: Never Truly Gone (Loss of a Spouse)