She was huddled in bed

In a cave made of covers

Her face streaked with tears

And her tiny body trembled.

He came to her rescue

Like good daddies do

With strong, gentle hands

He scooped up his daughter.

.....

She clutched the steering wheel

For the very first time

Sweat ran down her shoulder blades

But she knew she would be okay.

For her dad was beside her

With a calm, steady voice

His big hand on her shoulder

And his safe, stalwart presence.

.....

She stood in the church

In a white dress and veil

With cold, shaking hands

And a heart swelled with joy.

Her dad gazed at her fondly

With a bittersweet ache

He took her hand in his

And gave her away.

.....

She rushed to the hospital

Blinded by tears

Her mom said to hurry

Or it might be too late.

Her dad lay in the bed

Surrounded by tubes

She clutched his frail hand

And begged him to stay.

He smiled up at her

With love in his eyes

His thin, shaking hand

Gradually became still.