Daddy, as I'm writing this,

I think back to old times

To the times when you would hold me

When I'd break down and cry.

I remember some things we did together,

Even though I was really small.

I remember the times we'd laugh so hard

Until we'd get dizzy and fall.

I remember the nickname you had for me.

You used to call me Slim Jim.

How I remember that, I do not know.

I only only remember a few of them.

I used to be your little girl,

And you told me that every night,

But now you don't call me anything.

Did I do something that wasn't right?

Daddy, do you know what Mom and I did today?

We talked a lot about you!

Some were good things, and some were bad things.

I even heard about what you used to do.

Do you remember when Mom was pregnant

With my little baby brother?

I remember I recited my letter S verse,

But then I had to learn another.

I remember the year you built a pool

On one of my birthdays.

I even think that was the day

You didn't leave but stayed.

Well, in the year two thousand-seven,

You told me a really bad thing.

You were leaving Mom and me

Because you were arguing.

It broke my heart the day you left.

Did I do something wrong?

Did you love Brother and me?

I thought our family was strong.

You told me you didn't love Mom anymore,

But I kept asking why.

You said it was because you fought,

And then you said goodbye.

The last night that you stayed with us,

I slept in your old room.

I slept with Mom because I knew

That you'd be leaving soon.

Did I beg for you to stay

At home with Mom and me?

Well, guess what you didn't hear?

Your seven year-old's plea.

You stayed away for a long, long time,

And you'd see me when you passed by.

You didn't stop, you only waved.

I only wanted a "Hi".

Three months later, you picked me up

And took me to your new home.

You didn't live too far away.

I thought you were long gone.

I know you loved someone else,

But you really really hurt me.

I didn't want you to leave me behind.

I wish you and Mom could've agreed.

You fussed and fought all the time,

And I asked God to help you heal.

He did what was right, even though I didn't like

The way he healed things for real.

I know he did it for the better,

But now I understand

The reason why you really left

And just left me in the sand.

I thought I was your little girl,

But I guess that was a lie.

Please don't call me that again.

That name has long since died.

No matter how bad that you hurt me,

I really still love you.

I wish we could be close again.

Do you also want that, too?