Dear Hannah,

Sometimes things happen that upset us. We have to feel what we feel, take the time to heal, remember what is real, and keep moving forward ...

As I lay me down to sleep

I kiss my wife and ponder deep

I wonder why, and that's OK

Answers tomorrow are questions today

Then I kneel and start to pray

Ask the Lord to have His way

Stay focused on a future day

Hope to keep all harm at bay

So my baby girl can play

Jump on me, yell "Daddy, yay!"

Master piano, dance ballet

Tell her about our wedding day

How to wait for her fiance'

Relationships begin with "hey"

Then take their course - la vie c'est

Do her work for more than pay

Know when to go, and when to stay

Correct her course if she should stray

See that this world is still cray cray

The brave are scared to disobey

But sometimes do it anyway

The fools rush in, the wise survey

Think twice, act once - avoid the fray

Accountable talk never starts with "they"

Power is more than being able to sway

Then I reach "amen" and rise again

Ready to embark, engage and win

Eyes wide shut, but with open heart

The game ain't fair, so play it smart

The road ahead is still paved with LIFE

Despite all circumstance and strife

She can change the world if I maintain

Stay on my grind, and in my lane

Love,

Daddy

(Author of "A Long Walk … Towards Care, Concern, Respect, and Advocacy")