I remember well, the first time I met you.  You were so incredibly attractive to me.  Bright, sexy, funny – god, I loved your sense of humor.  I still do.   An instant connection.  We both felt it, I know.  Beyond that sexual lightening that was striking, your soul cried out to mine.

And mine answered.

But.  One thing about you stood above the rest. 

For me. 

To me. 

And still does. 

And always will. 

You are an incredible dad.   Incredible.  And exceptional.  That attracted me as much as any other quality you possess.   Whenever I’m in the presence of the two of you, the bond you share is a tangible thing.  A joy to see. 

I know the depth of the pain and sorrow you feel because you aren’t together all the time.  The pain and sorrow you try so hard to hide.  You can’t.  Not from me. 

I see.  

I know.

I understand your struggle. 

I wipe away the tears, sometimes.  When you let me.  Which you do, more often now.  Let me.  Let me ease the pain.  Share the burden, if only for a little while.

Know this. 

Believe it.

On this Father’s Day. 

Even though you aren’t together, you are.  Always.  She carries you in her heart.  She won’t ever stop.  Not ever.  You are her father.  The first love of her life.  You always will be.  She’s thinking of you, even now.  Loving you.

And always will.

Always.

Happy Father’s Day, babe.  To the very best father I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.

I love you.