Hey buddy….

He fell in love the moment he set eyes on me.
It was love at first sight.
That was where it all started.
By the hospital bed.
A bond that would last forever.

He was my father.
My partner in crime.
My buddy.

The things mama disapproved off.
He allowed;
Brushing my teeth myself.
Bathing myself.
Feeding myself.
Drawing on the table with my crayons.
Sitting in his spot on the dining table.
A true pal I must say.

There was this one time he allowed me drive his parked car.
Best feeling ever for a 3-year-old.
We got out haircuts together.
He followed me to school sometimes.
I followed him to work sometimes.

We stayed up late together.
I enjoyed pulling his hair.
He enjoyed tickling me all over.
Till date, I still can’t stand being tickled.
He was my first friend.

Our buddy relationship was short-lived.
Mama said He had to go somewhere really far.
That he couldn’t take me along.

But….
We were buddies.
We went everywhere together.
How could he.
How could he leave without me.

I rushed to every knock on the door with a big heart.
Maybe…
Just maybe…
This might be him.
Surely he’ll come back for me.

He didn’t really leave me alone you see.
The gang had grown to 3.
Two little ones who looked up to me.
I was the leader of this new gang at 6.
I swore to give them the same treatment I got.
Even better.

I miss you old man.
I’m sorry I struggle to remember your face sometimes.
I’m sorry I haven’t been the man you envisioned me to be.

I wish I could see you once more.
To tell you how fine the gang is doing.
How we allowed mama join us.
I’m sure you’ll approve.

Happy birthday old man!!
I’ll never forget you.
Never!!!

Your buddy and son.
Philip