“Bootstraps & Butterflies” by Rachael Hardway

A Father's Day Poem for the 1st Father's Day without our Dad.

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It’s our first Father’s Day without you.
Grief visits me quietly—
on the 405,
in the grocery store,
while I’m making our favorite morning omelets.
It moves through me like a wave,
and somehow, it always ends with a smile.

I know your presence is with me—
guiding me,
helping me align with my highest path,
reminding me to lead with heart and compassion,
even when I feel alone.

And when life feels heavy,
I still hear your voice saying:
“Pick yourself up by your bootstraps, kid.”

But that’s the thing—
I’m not alone.
You’re closer now than ever before.
Your responses come in goosebumps,
in whispers,
in morning birds and butterflies.

I love you so much, Dad.
Happy Father’s Day.

"Love you… buh bye."
RLH

🕊️❤️🌟

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