I remember the times,
of teddy and toys,
The first realization of girls,
or the first glance at boys.

I think of small arms around my neck,
The sweet smell of babe,
reminding me of the reason,
A child is blessed and made.

Then of the teen years,
of first love and loss,
wanting to protect you from the pain,
no matter what the cost.

But I recognized,
this too must you learn,
as when you were younger,
A flame sometimes can burn.

As the years pass,
I look at you with pride,
for now not just a child of mine,
but a friend to walk beside.