Ashamed of the empty chair

But your courage lives inside me

All around annd everywhere 

In every breath I take

You taught me to be brave 

Without ever saying a word

Thanks to you my strength is cured

Seeing you home in uniform,

Quiet eyes, a weathered form

You held us close that night

Said “I’m here, everything’s alright”

I didn’t know the cost

Of all the time we lost 

But I see it now

All wrapped in one unspoken vow

I’m grateful for the scars

They made us who we are

For the strength I never knew

Living in their shoes

Meals made with shaky hands

Stories that I understand

The way you still check the door

Like war was still next door

Other kids had dads who stayed 

Mine fought so we’d be safe

Now I know the weight he bore

It makes me love him even more