Be there

Case, your Grandpa Pallister summed up parenting's big picture in five words: "You're there for your kids." Through all the ins and outs and ups and downs of rasiing you, that advice will be the foundation. When it comes to making a point, your grandpa is more Hemingway, I'm more Poe (or perhaps Dr, Suess). Here's my take on being there for you:

Hello, Case, it's nice to meet ya

On my face, a smile to greet ya

Welcome, son, I promise you

I'll be the dad you need me to

I'll be there for those tiny hands

that grow with you into a man

I'll be there for those tiny feet,

provide the ground you soon will meet

I'll be there for those bright blue eyes

that widen with each life's surprise

I'll be there in a moment's time,

through late-night tears and nurs'ry rhymes

I'll be there, never fear,

I'll be there for you

I'll be there, no matter where,

'cause that's what dads are born to do

I'll be there for those scrapes and falls;

the love I have, you'll have it all

I'll be there for that first big game,

to cheer you on and shout your name

I'll be there for those little scars

that dot the maps of who we are

I'll be there for the bigger hurts,

to give advice but listen first

I'll be there, never fear,

I'll be there for you

I'll be there, no matter where,

'cause that's what dads are born to do

I'll be there for those little things,

and take you underneath my wings

I'll be there with each passing day,

to watch you soar, then fly away

I'll be there when you're on your own

And know, my son, you're not alone

I'll be there for my little boy;

you'll always be my pride and joy