... is what my boys say to me before I leave.

When I go to work they know they won't see me for hours, they may not see me until bedtime or the next day even if I am on call. Our time together is precious and they know it. I know it.

"Dad, I need you" They cling to my legs. "don't go!"

It consistently without fail breaks my heart every time

"I don't want to go either, I'm sorry buddy, I love you, I have to go"

The second I get home

The most joyous sound

DADDY!!! YOU'RE HOME

I am

and from that point on if I hear the phrase

"Daddy, I need you"

I drop everything... nothing else is important

I will do anything to spare my sons, my daughter of any heartache. They will not ever yearn for my attention, or my presence as long as I can help it.

That's when I understood why my dad held on for so long

He was so sick, for so long, he was in pain for years

but dad I need you

His quality of life was consistently falling, and more problems would arise

but dad I need you, don't leave

He lost his dad when he was 10. He knew...

He knew that our pain wouldn't leave when his did.

He knew as we said...

Dad, I need you

He wouldn't be coming back, even if he wanted to

Dad, I need you

He held on for as long as he could

Until almost a year ago now, as I heard his rattle, I told him...

"It's okay, you can go, don't be afraid"

He left a few hours later

Dad, I still need you

Dads, your kids need you. Be with them.