SongsByMike

My Daughter

In October of 2007, I had the privilege of baptizing our eight-year-old daughter, Ryann.  She was well prepared, but, at the last minute, she had some “water-anxiety” and threatened to not go through with it.  I gathered her in my arms and tried to whisper comfort in her ear as I carried her into the water.  I gently and slowly eased her into the water until finally she was standing with only limited assistance from me.  Eventually, we were able to perform the ordinance, and it turned out to be a very powerful experience.  The next day, as I sat listening in Sacrament Meeting, I had some inspiring thoughts and I began to write as I reflected back on this experience.  A few days later, this song was basically complete.  I am grateful for the knowledge of eternity and all of its implications.

 

By Michael D. Squires

 

 

Today I held her in my arms for the first time as her father;

And heaven still gleamed in the eyes of my new-born baby daughter.

I couldn’t be sure how I’d provide for her, as my weaknesses I reviewed;

Then I drew her near and whispered in her ear, these words of gratitude:

 

I’m grateful that your mother and I joined hands across the altar,

And bonded for eternity through a covenant with the Father.

These promised blessings will be ours if we’re strong and do not falter,

Thankfully, you will always be, for eternity, my daughter.

 

 

Today I held her in my arms, and carried her into the water,

And tried to calm the very real fears of a delicate eight-year-old daughter.

What could I say on her baptism day?  What counsel could I include?

Then I drew her near and whispered in her ear, these words of gratitude:

 

I’m grateful that your mother and I joined hands across the altar,

And bonded for eternity through a covenant with the Father.

These promised blessings will be ours if we’re strong and do not falter,

Thankfully, you will always be, for eternity, my daughter.

 

 

Today I held her in my arms as a witness by the altar,

Where a fine young man claimed the hand of my dressed-in-white dear daughter.

Standing there, I was unprepared for the feelings that ensued.

Then I drew her near and whispered in her ear, these words of gratitude:

 

I’m grateful that you chose to join hands across the altar,

And bonded for eternity through a covenant with the Father.

These promised blessings will be yours if you’re strong and do not falter,

Thankfully, you will always be, for eternity, my daughter.

 

I know that I will always be so grateful for eternity that I’ve been blessed to be… your father.

My Daughter

To contact me:

E-mail: mike@songsbymike.com

Words and Music by Michael D. Squires

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