[Eric]

I realise this is a wander, but some of you may find it interesting. It was written by Mary-Lynn Neil, a Grade 7 student at Ecole Catholique Cathedrale in Kingston, for her father Master Corporal Mike Neil while he was serving his third tour in Kandahar:

A Daughter's Prayer:

My last thoughts are of him, as I lay me down to rest.
He's someone to be proud of, and I know he'll do his best.
Please watch his footsteps, as he walks that foreign land.
Help him do what he has to do, and guard him with your hand.

He's not just a soldier, remember, he's my dad.
Other children need him, I'll try not to be so sad.
He's not just a soldier, so keep him in your care.
Bring him home, I'm so alone; that's a daughter's prayer.

I know there are dangers, and his life he may lay down.
Take his beret, exchange it for a crown.
If his gun goes quiet, and he can't come home to me,
Help me to understand, and keep his memory.

He's not just a soldier, remember, he's my dad.
I miss you daddy, and I pray for you each night.
I just want you to hold me and tell me everything's alright.
I know they need you, but, dad, I need you too.
Please come home, I'm so alone,
That's a daughter's prayer.