Imperfect Man, Imperfect Daughter

Father, daddy, man that loved me

I realize now how you've always loved me unconditionally

Despite the temper flares and the elevated arguments

I know now that those became my road maps toward success

There was a time when I was nine

When I said that I hated you, because you grounded me on a Friday night

And until that following week, I couldn't leave my room (or watch my favorite shows)

I thought my life was over

But then I remember drinking cold punch from a can in your truck as we rode together on freeways

With the radio turned up loud, screaming Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith

I may not have shown it then, but that was fun.

You were always there, though I know there were days you felt like leaving

Being a family man had its responsibilities

But I dread the thought of your sacrificed happiness to give your children a good start in life

Your soul has become wounded multiple times

Life has become cruel

And sometimes, I catch myself wishing that you lived in a mansion

With a nice car and a big patio

With a green, freshly cut lawn and a plum tree in the backyard (because you like plums).

And all will come and see the rewards that you've reaped (and maybe even envy you)

But those things aren't there...even though I KNOW you deserve it.

Father, daddy, man that loved me...

There aren't enough words to say how imperfect we both are

But through it all, you did a damn good job.

I just wanted to say

Thank you.