My Daddy Jim

When we first met, I did not like you.
You seemed to be so mean and gruff.
I could not tell when you were joking
And you looked so big and tough.

That first time you came to my basketball game I thought,
"He's just trying to impress my mom."
But then afterwards you came down to the court
And proceeded to show me everything I did wrong.

Even at games when you were on call
I'd look up and I'd see you there
Watching me and cheering me on
It seemed as if you really cared.

I was as hard on you as you were on me
And still you never backed down.
When I'd come in from being on a date,
You'd be standing at the door with a frown.

I remember the foggy night that I broke curfew
And you and Mama were so scared.
You went out alone looking for me,
You wouldn't have done that if you hadn't cared.

You were so proud of both your boys
And you always treated me just the same.
You fussed at me and you griped at me
And lectured me without shame.

I never thought that I would get married
Because of the hard time you gave all my dates.
You would sit between us on the coach
And growl at them when it got late.

You were there for me when I finally married
You sat by my mother through the blessed event.
It's a day that I will forever remember...
Along with a broken hundred year old white bench.

You were there for the birth of my sons
And you watched my children grow.
Birthdays, Baseball games and holidays
You are the only Pawpaw that they know.

Your tough exterior seemed to melt
When your grandkids came and stayed.
You would smile and laugh and hold them tight
Or try to beat on the video games they played.

After 18 years, I still won't say I like you.
Because the word "like" isn't even a start.
I love you and I miss you so much
My Daddy Jim - the father of my heart.