51

he handed me the last $50 in his pocket.
apologetic that he couldn't bail me out
on my delinquent parking tickets, he said,
"it's not much. just some gas money."
when his birthday card was passed around
in my limited space i was short,
"happy birthday, dad. thanks for all your love
and support in the pursuit of my dreams.
hopefully the hard work and wait will be worth it."
after i hugged him goodbye,
he pulled my head towards him
and kissed me on the head.
"thank you. that was a really nice birthday gift."
i smiled and turned away.

unconditional love is simple.
once its realized at both ends.