It is the early hours on the day of your birth.
As I sit here guarding you through the night
a lifetime of memories flash before me like scenes from a movie.
I don’t even know if this is a memory
or the result of hearing the story over and over
But I recall you carrying me towards the waves at Rockaway Beach,
Tossing me against the waves as you held me safely in your arms.
I see you at every school play, piano recital, and graduation.
Driving me to my first day of high school.
Our dance at my Sweet Sixteen party to the Blue Danube waltz.
Every time I drive on the Grand Central and merge over to the fourth lane within seconds,
I think of the first day you made me do it so i could lose my fear of highway driving.
Every time I cut off a yellow cab driver, I remember the day you taught me how to do it.
I remember the first day you saw my apartment, it was so bitter sweet for you.
But I knew you were proud of me.
I remember sitting with you when we got the first diagnosis.
I remember every day of those 4 months you were in the hospital back in 2008.
I remember you coming home.
But most of all I remember every precious day we lived free of fear.
We lived!
I remember the day our lives changed this past December.
Yet today on your birthday I celebrate you.
I pray God gives you the courage and strength for what may come.
You are the bravest man I know.
I love you with all my heart.
And we are the luckiest family because we have each other.
Now, always,and forever.
Happy Birthday daddy!
Absolutely beautiful.
My thoughts are with you and your family. And a very Happy Birthday to your father
Thank you so much Lisa!
Happy birthday to your dad! Such a heart touching post
Thank you Nikki!
This is one of the most beautiful tributes I have ever read, Patty. What a gift you have. Happy birthday to your precious Dad!
Thank you Melisa. I wrote it last night as the clock was striking midnight and it helps to deal with all the feelings I’m going through.
Happy Birthday to Dad! Many more.
Beautifully written.
Thank you so much!
Oh Patty, that is so sweet. Your dad is lucky to have a daughter like you
I am sorry that you don’t have a brother because yours is the type of family I would want to marry into 
(other than your love of the Jets)
LOL! You are too sweet! You’re comment made me smile
{{Hugs}}
That is absolutely touching and wonderful. Happy belated birthday to your Dad.
Thank you Kat!
What an awesome tribute to an equally awesome dad. You are a wonderful daughter and a pretty terrific person too, my friend.
Liz, thank you for the sweet words. You are an amazing friend. {hugs}
Happiest of birthdays to your beloved Dad…
Thank you my dear friend {Hugs}
I am sending good thoughts & prayers to your family and I hope your dad had a lovely birthday, all the yucky aside
Thank you Heather!
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Beautiful Poem Patty. We all know how fantastic your dad is, anyone who knows you, knows he must be made of good stuff, and that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree! Your dad and your family are still very much in my prayers! I’m sure having you all by his side made his special day that much sweeter!
wow this is poetic and just beautiful. I mean, really amazingly written. I’m blow away. Happy birthday dad. I love you Patty Cakes!
This post is beyond beautiful, Patty. I am so happy for you and your family that you’re able to spend another birthday with your dad. WHAT A BLESSING! Know that you guys are in my thoughts and that I am STILL praying for you. xoxo