I used to sit at the bottom of the stairs
So excited when you would come home
Throw myself into your arms
Feeling only love
And the warmth of your breath
As you’d kiss my head
“I love you baby girl”

I’m not the most graceful
And at times I fell down
You’d pick me up in your protective arms
Your shirt became my blanket
Hands as big as my face
Would gently wipe away the tears
“It’ll be okay sweetie, I pinkie swear”

I always felt protected
As the boys came and went
You kept quite and dealt with my growing up
Even when they broke my heart
Again I crawled into your arms
And pressed my head against your chest
“You were too good for him anyway”

The day I dressed in white
The only day I saw you cry
I held your hand as you walked me down
I was too scared to let go
You pushed me on ahead
As you lifted my veil and kissed my cheek, whispered
“Baby, I know that he’s the one”

Even though you need a little extra help
Living out your last years in a nursing home
I visit every week, bring the grandchildren
It’s a little bittersweet
As they jump into your arms
A smile spreads across your face
I see my childhood come back to life
“You will always be my baby girl”

Daddy, you’re my hero
And you’ll always be my favorite
Loved hearing I was your princess

As I stepped on your feet
You taught me to dance
Your little Cinderella
“I love you”