We gathered for Father’s Day 
A small dinner at a restaurant 
Local chain in downtown 
In was crowded with other families 
Too many people were talking 
Eating and dining on way too much 
We had good laughs and managed 
To connect and converse over the noise
We listened to my dad’s stories again 
Some that we have heard about over 
And over again, so many times
Though I fear he might be slightly 
Slipping ever so slightly into a new era
Forgetting points and others remembering 
Plain as day, as if it occurred yesterday 
At times he’s showing signs he might have 
Forgotten to remember, and remembers 
Seem to remembers keep remembering 
Lately it’s been more on repeat than usual 
I’m thankful for the way you are with my dad
You allow him to connect with his place in time
So his mind can pinpoint the moment then get lost
Yet dad is there reliving the moment so vividly 
He replays each event like a chord progression 
Etched out in his head like a needle on the vinyl 
He looks to you for reassurance and acceptance 
Your nodd gives him all he needs to keep going 
He smiles and the replay lives on
A record frozen in time 
No hall of fame to name him 
Just my dad