daughter to father

before you knew my name,

my laugh,

my brown hair and green eyes,

you wanted me.

before you knew my failures,

my shortcomings,

and the times i would disappoint,

you fought for me.

before you knew my triumphs,

my goals,

and my dreams,

you kept me.

you didn't have to.

it wasn't your "job"

but you broke the mold.

thank you,

for being unexpected,

for being who i needed you to be,

for staying,

and wanting me to stay with you.