A Lock of her Hair

He sat on the steps of the church. Enjoying the solitude that only late summer can bring. He was wearing a black tuxedo, collar open, bow tie undone. His eyes looked off into the distance without really seeing.

In the chapel behind him just one short hour ago he had given away his baby girl. Dressed in white and owning more beauty than any angel in heaven could claim. He had escorted her toward her future. A single tear in his eye as he glanced to the heavens wondering if her mother was watching and if she was as proud of her as he was.

Being the only child of single father could not have been easy for her. She had never known her mother who passed away before her first birthday. He had done his best to be all things to her: father, mother, sister and brother. He had sacrificed all he could to make her life as perfect as possible.

They were both blessed to have her aunt, his sister, who guided him whenever his parental compass led him astray. He had spent many long hours on the phone with her questioning his ability to raise such a precious child. His sister had always known when to listen and when to step in and give him some firm advice.

To his daughter, his sister had been not only aunt, but also big sister and confidant. When she had reached puberty and needed that feminine guidance she had been there for her. Guiding her through the minefield of hormones and teenagers. At times he had found himself jealous of their relationship but he buried that feeling deep within. Instinctually he understood that sometimes a girl just needs her mommy or a close substitute.

He had always known the day was coming when she would come home with MR. Right on her arm. He had made the usual jokes about shotguns and what he would do to anyone who strayed to close to his daughter. Inside though he was not sure how he was going to deal with the inevitable. Sometimes late at night he would wake up in a cold sweat filled with worry. At times like this he would ask for his wife's guidance. Speaking her name in silent prayer he always felt the comfort of the love they had briefly shared. Once calmed he would tiptoe into her room and watch her sleep. Snuggled with the old ratty teddy bear that she had slept with since she was a baby. At moments like that his soul overflowed with his love for her.

The day finally came when she brought Ben home and he knew without asking that he was the one. The way she looked at him reminded him so much of how her mother had looked at him. He was resistant at first but as time passed he admitted to himself that if she had to marry Ben was the perfect one for her. She had found her soul mate.

So here he sat on the steps of the church. Gathering himself before joining the celebration at the reception. He reached into his pocket and removed a small plastic bad. Within the bag was a lock of his baby's hair from her first haircut so many years ago. As he held her hair twenty-five years of memories washed over him.

He must of closed his eyes for when he opened them his beautiful daughter was reaching out her hand to him.

"Come on Pops, the dancing is just about ready to begin and the first dance belongs to the best man I have ever known, you."