To My "Special Little Girl", Rachael
 
 

Just a few days ago, you were a newborn, lying in my arms;
Just yesterday, you took your first, faltering steps;

It was only this morning that you ran up that walk,
Excited at starting your first day of school.

It was only an hour later that you clung to me,
Nervous and scared at that first time at dance;

But by mid-morning you were taking
That first tentative 2-wheeler bike ride.

And it was only at noon, that you danced well enough;
To be a proud member of the competition team.

By mid-afternoon, you were racing through Middle School, then
Starting in High School, moving up, moving on.

Just minutes ago you were starting to plan;
Looking for colleges, learning to drive.

Soon, all too soon, you will drive on your own,
Without dad beside you, without me as your guide.

I'm not going anywhere, and you'll be on your own,
But remember, sweet daughter, you're never truly alone.

I was there in the past, through the good times and bad,
I'll be there in the future, after all, I'm your Dad.
 
 

It's amazing, fantastic, how the years have raced by,
Passing ever so quickly, full of fun, and of life.

How your dreams ebbed and flowed, changed and grew, disappeared.
Some were met, some were missed, but all were truly part of you.

From rattles and Big Keys, to Barbies and Kens
From puzzles and books, to Physics and Calculus

From a baby, to a toddler, to a "Big Girl" at three,
From day care to grade school to middle school and;

From high school to college, to then...who knows where.
From right now, this second, to the rest of your life.

All this has happened, in the blink of an eye;
So quickly...too quickly, the years have flown by.

I am ever so glad that I didn't blink;
That I saw all of this, and missed not one bit.

I'm so very proud to call you my daughter,
So happy to have you a part of my life.

I'm so glad I was part of all that you have done,
I was there for you then, and will be there tomorrow.

You are a wonderful, special, sweet, loving girl;
Take it slow.  Don't rush.  No need to make haste.

Life is too short, you should savor it all.
Enjoy it by sips, no need here to gulp.

From your early years on, you've always been in a rush;
Wanting to be older, in a hurry to grow up.

Well that you have done, and wonderfully too;
But don't hurry on, take it easy, take it slow.

Soon, all too soon, you will be out on your own;
Moving on? Getting married?  Having a child, maybe two?

What the future will bring, who can tell?  Well...not I.
Nor can you, nor can anyone, but that's all okay.

For the one thing I can tell you,
The one thing I know;

As you were, as you are, as you always will be;
You're my "Special Little Girl Rachael",
And that's a promise from me.

I Love You,
Your "Special Big Daddy"
 
 
 
 

Copyright 1999 © William F. Stebbins. All Rights Reserved.