It was a winter Saturday, and we decided to go cross country skiing in a local preserve.  We skied for hours, and strayed off the main trails. We skied on a frozen river until we noticed there was open water in places. We realized we were lost, and finally decided to retrace our tracks. We made it back at sundown, and we relived the tale over and over embellishing the danger we were in.  I was your partner,

and this was the best day of my life

We were home from school on a snow day, and by evening we were bored and restless. We decided Wii Sports would be a good way to use some energy, so we stayed up, and you mocked my poor golf skills, and I trashed talked even as I lost tennis, and the wood fire made us sweat.  I was your playmate,

and this was the best day of my life.

You were a little girl and we searched for treasures at the beach. As we dug in the sand, we found some coins, and we imagined and believed it was pirate treasure, and our excitement grew.  I was your co-explorer,

and this was the best day of my life.

You and I had the same spring break, but Mom had to work. You came with me to a show in Augusta, which was over before noon, so we visited the capital, and the state museum and the worlds largest globe.  I was your tour guide, 

and this was the best day of my life.

Camp had ended and everyone had left except us.  To fight the sadness of another summer coming to an end, I took you to the pool.  After we got back to our cabin, a chipmunk came to visit us on our porch. We fed him crackers and bread, and watched his cheeks puff out and you told me it was the best day ever, and my end of summer sadness wasn't so sad anymore.  I was your buddy who needed cheering up,

and this was the best day of my life.

I had bought the tickets months in advance. It was Noah Gundersen, and he did an all acoustic set, and it was in a bar, but you were allowed in anyway.  We sat together and enjoyed the songs and the guitar, and you were not a little girl anymore.  I was your daddy-date,

and this was the best day of my life.

You had an opportunity to go with a group to do Street ministry in New York, and I had to stay back when Mom brought you to meet your ride, so I prayed with you and hugged you and kissed you good-bye and told you I was proud.  I was your dad, I was letting go,

and this was the best day of my life.