days are becoming few

before I have to say goodbye

how do I let go, when all I want to do is hold on

the irony is not lost on me

as this dad hangs feeders and stages baths for birds

I ready myself for your solo flight

..

when a child is born, parents do not know the journey ahead

the joys, the struggles

the infinite depth of love and connection

..

the wish of this father was to help you fly

off you lifted in these eighteen years

you soaring on will be the greatest gift

..

my words may crack

my tears may fall

but my hand will open to let you walk away

..

my little girl

an amazing young woman you have become

I know this feels big, it is

..

there is no one time table for everyone 

now is your time

carpe diem

..

what comes next is unknown

but what has been proven, is you are ready

your strength rooted by the blood running in your veins and life’s test thus far

..

you don’t have all the answers

you have what you need

trust in the journey

..

step towards it

all of it

the new, the scary, your goals, your desires

..

the seat empty beside me on a drive home 

is my dread, but also a sign

I trust, “it’s all good”

..

the miles between us will say we are far apart

but even though your leaving 

I’ll always be right there by your side

..

so if you feel a little lonely for you dad

look upon the moon and the stars

I’ll be under them beside you – let’s just breathe

..

you’re closing an amazing chapter

not finishing the book

pages ahead are clean and bright

..

hold your heart

be true to you

and write