I didn’t think I was ready to raise a girl…
But God don’t ask if you’re ready — He just delivers.
When He gave me you, Kylee…
He gave me something worth fightin’ for.
From day one, you became my whole world.
From day one, you had my heart in your hands
Taught me to soften up and still be a man
I was broken, you were pure, gave me breath
I’ll be by your side till I’m laid to rest
You changed my world with that baby laugh
Turned a hardened soul into a softer path
And even with nothin’ but love and stress
You smiled like a queen in a cotton dress
We came from the bottom, broke and stressed
Your mom left us both for drugs and mess
But I held you close, never lost that flame
Didn’t have much, but I gave you my name
Nights alone, cryin’ in silent fights
Workin' doubles just to keep on lights
I worried I wasn't good as you are
But you made me better, healed every scar
I fell in love with the man I became
Feeding you, holdin’ you, changin' my frame
I took care of you, but it’s truth, believe —
You were the one that ended up savin’ me
From day one, I knew I’d never leave
Even when I questioned what you'd see in me
You grew, I grew, through every test
You and me against the world, no second guess
You pulled my strings, wore my tees
While I worked, Angela filled the scene
Now there’s three hearts beatin’ in one home
And you still call my arms your favorite throne
Then I met Angela, my old flame
Waited six months just to say your name
You were two years old, full of sass and steps
Pullin’ on hearts, takin’ deep breaths
Angela stepped in with a mother’s grace
Loved you like blood, no time to waste
You called her “Mom” ‘fore I could blink
And I knew it was fate, not just what I think
From day one, I swore I’d be your shield
Now I watch you grow with a heart so real
Matchin’ Mom when you step outside
But rockin’ my shirts when you chill inside
Basketball shorts, hair in a twist
My little sidekick I could never resist
Still my rider, still my light
Still the reason I keep fightin’ right
Second grade came, and you shined so sweet
Loved on strangers, made every friend feel seen
Still my fishing buddy, tough and smart
Hookin’ worms, askin’ questions from the heart
"Will you always love me?" — I paused, then smiled
Said, “Girl, you saved me, made my life worthwhile”
Didn’t flinch when life threw weight and war
You my reason, my peace, my forevermore
From day one, you been my softer side
My reason to live, my anchor, my pride
You ain’t a baby, but you still my girl
Still my light in this violent world
They say dads break when daughters shine
But I became whole when your light met mine
So when I’m gone, remember this breath—
I was yours from day one, to my death
You’ll never need to question my love.
You made me better. You gave me life.
And you’ll always be my baby girl…
From day one.