How can it be that when
I bent to kiss you goodnight; my daughter, a
beautiful young woman, lay where only yesterday
a little girl had been?
When did the barrettes and ponytail ribbons
of birthday party days give way to the
styling comb and make up mirror
of Saturday night dates?
Was it not only yesterday, crayons of all colors
laid upon the table where now bottles of nail
polish rest?
How can it be the buggy you filled with so many
dolls has been pushed aside and new suitcases are
filled instead?
Did you know that the little finger you
wrapped around me was tied right to my heart?
I suspect you did. . .
It seems as though the ink has just dried on the
pages of your baby book and here we are laughing
over pages in your year book.
How did the ballet slippers of a little girl
become the high heels of a young woman on her
way?
Such a little while ago you cried, "Daddy, I'm
scared", and now you whisper, "Dad, don't worry,
I'll be fine."
When did the teddy bear you hugged all night
become the photo of someone you've chosen for
life?
How can it be the smell of baby powder turned
instead to the scent of perfume, the giggles of a
little girl became the tears of a teen, and the
roses tiny fingers picked were treasured like
the petals of a prom bouquet?
Wasn't it only yesterday ruffles and tea parties
colored my world pink, and today a new address
and a good-bye kiss stain my world blue?
How did it happen so quickly, and when I stop to
realize, all my golden tomorrows will bask in the
memories of pink yesterdays.
Thank you Lord for pink yesterdays.
To my wonderful daughter Diane
Love,
Dad