Our relationship is a bit odd to most

We keep each other in check without saying much

No words to speak or toast

No affectionate touch

But there’s a deep love here, a mutual admiration

In the middle of life planning, there’s a subtle celebration

There’s a mirror when I look at him and the old words printed on the thin paper

Sometimes it seems he is an imitator

I’ve known him all my life

Self-giving, encouraging

Always gently there, listening

Wisdom when I was at the crossroads

Quick to overlook my bad moves

Making sure I knew my worth isn’t in what I do

He’s always looked out for me

When I was a kid, I fell from the attic

And he was right there to catch me

Everything was provided

When I was little, he told me stories and washed my feet

Gave me food to eat

Sent me to school

Gave me the tools: kindness and love, patience

An ever-steady rock through all my frustrations

When I graduated and got married

He was there – his quiet presence emphatic

All my life I’ve been guided

By him and the words on the page

They coincided

And though I’ve grown

I still visit home

We went kayaking together last Sunday

Talked of dogs, cars, taxes

Floated on that beautiful bay

Though the world’s still a mess

He exuded a confident rest

An elderly man now

I watched him paddle in the sun

He knows the battle is won

A Sunday on the water with my father

I don’t know if he knows

He’s a large part of why I believe in the heavenly Father

What grace

I’m forever indebted

I followed after him

Both of us walking on the waves