My Dearest Father

You and mommy made the decision to add a new little life to your family.

You stood by her side as she waited for those two little lines to appear.

Within her body, magic took place.

Life began for me.

You stood by her side at each appointment.

Through a black and white screen, you watched me grow.

You grew with excitement, knowing you would find out soon.

Boy? Girl? You said you did not care.

But along with finding out you would have a son, you found out other things too.

You heard the words, “Neural tube defect. High chances. Specialist doctors.”.

Life grew confusing and worrisome.

But from within, I still continued to grow.

My heart was strong, even if other parts of me were not.

Spina bifida.

That was my diagnosis.

But daddy, you did not let it define me.

You did not let it change your love for me.

You stood by mommy’s side and said we could get through this.

You felt my first kicks.

Mommy complained of my constant hiccups.

Life, continued.

Continued to grow.

You barely made it in time to welcome me to the world, 10 weeks early.

Surprise daddy!

You both named me Oliver.

Three pounds in weight, seventeen inches in length.

Small but mighty.

45 days in the NICU, but you saw me every day that you could.

You continued to watch me grow.

I am strong daddy.

Strong like you.

When it was time to come home, you were scared.

But guess what daddy?

I am seven now, and we did it!

You let me kick your butt in video games.

You cheer me on when I play baseball.

You encourage me to never stop chasing my dreams.

Wrestler? Body builder? Policeman?

You believe in me to do it all.

You are my hero.

From day one, you stood by my side.

You helped make me the courageous, brave, and loving boy that I am today.

One day, I will be a daddy like you.

And I will remember all the things you did for me.

I will love, like you loved me.

But today is a day that I want to give thanks.

Thank you Daddy.

Happy Father’s Day.