Bring Back Marina To Me

My oldest child, Marina, just recently turned 15. Hard to believe, I know. Seems like only yesterday that she was learning to ride her tricycle. She loved collecting dolls, and there was never a moment when that child did not have a smile on her face. She was daddy's girl. I miss those days and long for their return. Is that even possible?

She used to climb up in my lap every night and I would rock her to sleep, while she clutched one of my fingers. She would watch me intently as I sang to her.

Marina lies over the ocean
Marina lies over the sea
Marina lies over the ocean
Oh, bring back Marina to me

Bring back
Bring back
Oh, bring back Marina to me, to me
Bring back
Bring back
Oh, bring back Marina to me

Usually I would barely get through the chorus and she would be fast asleep. Most nights, I would continue to hold her there for the longest time just looking down at her. Not wanting to be in a hurry to put her down. What a precious gift she was and is.

Even though I might not get to see her as much as I'd like, regardless of anything and everything, I hope she knows that I love her more than anything in this world. She will always be my baby girl. Nothing will ever change that.