My Little Ballerina

My little ballerina, how I love you so

My heart is yours forever

Wherever you may go

I sit and watch you learning

about things beyond your years,

And my heart is filled with laughter

even through my tears.

No, not the tears of pain

And not the tears of sorrow

but the happy tears of loving

As I hope for your tomorrows

I would fill them all with dancing,

With music, and with love

I would fill them all with blessings

from our Father high above.

I could watch you here forever

but I know it cannot be

one day you'll be a big girl

and dance away from me

But today is not that day

and you're mine a little longer

You're dancing just for me now

and my love for you grows stronger

My little ballerina, how I love you so

My heart is yours forever

Wherever you may go.

Roast Chicken

My wife makes the best roast chicken. Simple, tasty, elegant and addictive. Seriously, who could ask for more?  

No one can or should, I say.  No one can, or should.

I chose...wisely.

Joshua and the Monk

The family and I attended a prayer service at a Buddhist temple yesterday. As we were leaving, Joshua and I introduced ourselves to one of the monks.

"It's nice to meet you too, Joshua. How old are you?"

"I'm eight. Nearly nine now."

"Ah...very good age. What do you want to do when you grow up?"

"I want to run a company that mines for gold on the ocean floor. I've already designed a submarine to do the job. I am going to be very rich."

The monk stares at Joshua. Joshua stares at the monk. I smile broadly, shake hands with the man and drive home.

Walk With Me Down By The Sea

Walk with me down by the sea
Let's see the things that we might see
Run with me then still we'll stand
And sink our toes into the sand
Let's bravely fight the crashing waves
Let's explore a pirate's cave
Talk with me and share your thoughts
Imagine battles bravely fought
Let's run along the daylit beach
and gather shells within our reach
Take a pic nic by the shore
laugh and laugh, then laugh some more
Walk with me on this fine day
Time and cares will stay away
I'm just eight and I love you so
I'll remember this as I grow
The time we spend upon the sand
The time we spend just holding hands
I'll be bigger soon and find my way
There will be more work than time for play
But all of that will have to wait
the time's today, its not too late
So walk with me down by the sea
and let's see the things that we might see.

My Day With Joshua

We both woke up and got around

then packed our bags, and hit the ground

we walked downtown without much fuss,

we'd set out to catch the bus!

The bus came by...eventually,

we used our coins to pay the fee

we asked the driver happily

if we were on bus 43.

"Oh yes", he said and smiled at us, "You both are on the perfect bus!"

"I can take you anywhere,

there! or there! or everywhere!"

I smiled at him and shook his hand

"Could you take us now to Disneyland?"

He smiled back and smiled true

"Sit right down, I'll see you through!"

We took a seat and made our way

aboard our bus, and straight away,

we found ourselves a world away

ready for a perfect day.

We walked and talked of many things

of ghosts and cars and battle scenes

we traveled down a river mild

we rafted down a river wild

We ventured through a haunted house

we waved and laughed at Mickey Mouse

We saw some hats with great big ears

We took a cruise with bucaneers.

I think we covered Disneyland

and all the while he held my hand.

We headed home when day was done,

I held him close

"I love you, son."

"I love you too!", he hugged me tight,

the world was sweet, the world was right.

We're home again, he's fast asleep

And soon I will be counting sheep,

Before I do, I had to say

I've never had a better day.

I love you Joshua. Thank you for spending your day with me.

Pappa