When I was younger,
Our bond was the ideal father-daughter relationship.
I remember always looking forward to the early weekday mornings,
When you would drive me to school in your blue truck, Dad.
And I remember listening to the Dixie Chicks’ “Landslide,”
We sang the lyrics together.

In junior high, our relationship began to deteriorate,
when I developed an eating disorder.
You never gave up on me.
You constantly checked up on me, Dad.
But I refused to recover.
And I strained our ideal father-daughter relationship.

As time progressed,
My eating disorder continued to shatter our relationship.
The mountain was steep.
I convinced you that I was healthy.
My mind, though, was battling a demon, Dad.
A demon that told me not to eat.
But, I assured you that I was well.
You knew that I wasn’t.

In the beginning of my high school years,
You and mom found me treatment,
Which I will always appreciate, Dad.
In the hardest of days,
when I have to challenge my disorder to get better,
You are always there for me.
I know you always will be.

Throughout my recovery,
The shattered pieces of our relationship,
Have been mended back together, Dad.
Each and every day,
As I continue to struggle,
you stand by my side.
And I know I can count on you forever, Dad.