In remembrance of my father, whom I wrote this poem for on May 24, 2021, his 75th birthday when I found him and my mother ill in their home. I was blessed to have been able to read it to him on his death bed in the Intensive Care Unit, 9 days later, on June 2, 2021. Keep sending us signs and God winks.
Just In Case, Daddy, You Ever Need Reminding Of Your Place
I remember when I was three, and you put my leg braces on me. You dried my tears and taught me not to succumb to my fears. Even though I didn’t speak much til after five because I was shy, you placed me on counters so everyone would talk to me – in my eye. You made me do my own menu ordering, so I’d learn how to speak up. And never talked down to me. You built me up. You were my live comedian, walking on Mommy’s pretty couch to shut the drapes. Told me when ‘you’re the Daddy (I) could do that, and it’d be great’. You always want the very best for me, and I’m your favorite sun. You were preparing me for obstacles. How did you know? Your own Daddy was taken away when you were 7; so very young. When I was nine, you took me for my first job. You taught me how to save for something I’d love. Take good care of it, always pay back what’s indebted. You taught me how to ride a bike and roller skate. Spent the summer months at the water parks, beaches, pools, lakes and warm springs. Taught me how to paddle with an oar, swim with manatees and alligators, dive into the deep end, ride the waves, and even jump off high cliffs. How-to light fireworks without losing any limbs. We’d watch the clouds move over us, right before our eyes. And wonder together, as we remain still, how could it be? I always thought I was the luckiest one and knew God’s looking down on me. Even showed me how to paint the house, mow the lawn, wash cars – all while singing and dancing to music for everyone to see. Then once I learned how to drive a golf cart, you graduated me to the station wagon at thirteen. Unto a motorcycle and drag races – you were always the lights, camera, action behind my scenes. Took me for punk rock Halloween costumes and to the middle school for the dance in the gym. Parked your car outside the movies when on a date. Told me when I’m getting too skinny and should clean and lick my ice cream plate. Never break curfew, not even by two minutes. Call immediately, no questions asked, you’d be there to bring me back home. It was you who showed me green salad, lots of water and long walks were the key to energy balance. You see, Daddy, you’ve prepared me – all along – for my palace. Drop all the girls off and pick us up from airports from vacations. I know I gave you every gray hair on your head. You worked two jobs to put me through internships and undergrad. You were my biggest fan when I searched for doctoral programs. You woke up at 4:20 a.m. every weekday to support my every dream, no matter how big or small. Even though you worked through dark nights too, you found the time to talk to me about not smoking, drinking, or ever doing drugs. You kept me shiny, polished like the brightest of diamonds. You protected me from the world as long as you possibly could. Then you picked me up once again and dusted me off. Blessed me as you walked me down the aisle. For a moment, it was only you and me. You love my husband just like a son. God, I cannot explain to you – how that helps to keep us as ‘One.’ When I got pregnant, you were the most joyous Gramps-to-be. Brought our first baby home to the same one you did. Where I learned how to be a kind and giving person, by example, from a little kid. Daddy, you’ve let me hold your pinky with my entire hand through all the ups and downs. You still empower me to be the ‘better man’, even when our stubbornness bumps each other’s head. You always fix my crown when it’s bent. We share the same good and bad qualities. There’s no doubt I belong to you with my sick sense of humor and all. We don’t give up. But when one door closes, we never open it again. We keep faith. We don’t break our vows. We put family first. Now, I tuck you in and ask you to blow out the light. I remind you to say your prayers, count blessings – It’s a Wonderful Life. So whenever ‘life happens’ have peace and rest assured, through God’s Infinite Love, Daddy’s Little Girl remains secured. In His Grace. And His Unmerited Favor. In my heart, soul, spirit and every cell space, your devotion and love live on in our very own special ‘Daddy-Daughter Place.’
Want a deeper dive? Check out ‘Rise Above: A Playbook On How-To Keep Energy Flowing.’
Photo by Jaime Louise Kushman
Dr. Jaime L. Pula is the author of her newly released book titled, ‘Rise Above: A Playbook On How-To Keep Energy Flowing.’ She can be reached at jpula@artofhealthsciences.life. And she enjoys connecting on LI at: www.linkedin.com/in/drjaimelpula001/.