My dad walks with a spring to his step
We are spending time together
Just the two of us
In the living room we take a book of poetry from the shelf
and he reads.
I listen to his deep voice and look into his eyes as he reads.
I'm so proud.
My dad walks with a drag to his step
This chapter of our life is changing
The divorce moves us half a country away
I rarely see him
But when I do, his smile brightens my world
his step no longer drags
I'm so proud.
My dad walks with pride in his step
It's time to walk across the stage
Receive my diploma
My hard work has paid off
And he is there with me
We celebrate with the whole family.
I'm so proud.
My dad walks with wonder in his step
He looks at my little girl
His first grandchild
Takes her in his big hands
Speaks in his deep voice
Their souls fuse as their eyes lock.
I'm so proud.
My dad walks with dignity in his step.
His steps are shorter
His shoulders a bit hunched
But his grandson just graduated Basic Training
They haven't seen each other in years
The two men who mean the most to me - together.
I'm so proud.
My dad walks with a hitch to his step.
Time has taken its toll
It's hard to rise, hard to stand, hard to walk
But he joins me at the stove
I don't know how to make an omelet
Working by his side, I learn.
I'm so proud.
My dad walks no longer
The tubes and wires sustain his life
He was ready to go
But we weren't ready to let him go.
He holds on until he's sure we'll be OK.
Only then does he stop fighting.
I'm so proud.
My dad walks with presence through my memories
I see him in my daughter
I see him in my son
I hear his voice in my mind
Encouraging and admonishing me
"You're like your old man"
I'm so proud.
