Rust and Redemption

I still remember being little,

Standing backstage in my dance shoes,

Looking out into the crowd,

Knowing I'd always find you.

You came to every concert,

Cheering louder than the rest,

And even when I couldn't see you,

I knew you were there doing your best.

I remember my Year Six formal,

Getting ready for that night,

You told me I looked stunning,

And made me feel alright.

You used to call me cute all the time,

When I was little,

sweet and small,

But now those compliments have disappeared,

I guess I've grown up after all!

Oh Matty, I hope you know,

How much you mean to me,

For every little thing you've done,

And all the things you helped me be.

I might not say it every day,

Or always show it like I should,

But I'm so lucky you're my Matty,

And I wouldn't change you if I could.

You've got a joke for every moment,

And somehow think they're all brand new,

You tell the punchline with a straight face,

Then laugh before the rest of us do.

You wait around for our reaction,

Like you've just told the joke of the year,

We're all rolling our eyes at you,

But you're still laughing over here!

Oh Matty, you're one of a kind,

With your terrible jokes and your timing behind,

We might all groan,

but it's safe to say,

The family wouldn't be the same any other way.

You say a joke,

then wait for the laugh,

Even when we're all just staring back,

And if there's silence,

you'll try one more,

Like we haven't heard that one before!

You say you'll only be a minute,

But we all know that's not true,

We're waiting patiently by the door,

Wondering what's taking so long with you.

There's no rushing Mr Matty,

He'll get there when he may,

And somehow we're still laughing,

Because that's just your way!

The little girl in her dance costume,

Searching for you in the crowd,

And the dad who always made her smile,

And told her he was proud.

I'm so lucky I was brought into your life,

And got to become a part of your story,

I hope I've made your world a little brighter,

And filled your days with extra joy and glory.

I hope I've made your life better,

Just as you've made mine,

Because having you there beside me,

Is something I'll treasure for all time.

Oh Matty, I hope you know,

How much you mean to me,

For every laugh, each memory,

And all you've done for me.

I might be growing up and changing,

But I'll always be your little girl,

And if I could choose my family,

I'd choose you in every world!

So here's to all the memories,

The silly jokes and everything,

I'm grateful for the life you've given me,

And all the love you bring.

I love you, Matty.