Lanette wrote:

I am getting married on Sept 26 of this year and I have asked my step father to give me away. We haven't always had the best relationship, but when I needed a father he was the one that was always there for me. He has helped me start a life for myself and my 18 month old son. Without him I am sure I would be much worse off than I am. He married my mother when I was 7 and with my mother came 3 children. We were all pretty much brats in our childhood. He never had much patience with children because he prepared himself at a young age for a life without children. He had cancer as a child and as a result of his treatment he couldn't have any children of his own. I want him to know that I love him and I am sorry for all the things I did when I was younger. In the past few years we have grown together and we have gained each other's respect. I have tried to write a poem myself for him but I can never write down what I want to say. It just never comes out the right way. I am hoping that maybe you can help me. In addition I have a very close relationship with my father and I haven't told him yet that I asked my step father to give me away. I know he will be very hurt that I didn't ask him and I was hoping that you could do me a huge favor and try to write a little something that will tell him that I love him very much and that I don't want him to be hurt by this. I am his only child and I know this is his only chance to give his little girl away, but I need to show my step father that I love him and look up to him and I feel this is the way I want to show him. I hope this isn't asking too much of you. If it is I will understand. I'm not sure what all you need to know so I hope this is enough. Thank you for your time. :) Lanette

Lanette kindly replied:

Thank you so much!!! I have no objections to you posting this poem on your web page. If you could just erase the last names. That is the only thing I will ask. I just want to thank you again. The poem you have written for me is perfect!! Thanks, Lanette