By Caitlin Brown
Teacher: Carolyn Dobson, Cragmont School
Award: Second Place, Fifth Grade Essay
I ran towards my dad, my arms outstretched. I hugged him, and never wanted to let go. It seemed forever since my dad left home, a year ago. He smelled that same dad smell, and looked better than anything. He smiled his smile that I love. As I walked to the car, I was happy.
And excited.
Not having dad with me that year was difficult, and it made me think more about the people without family. Dad didn’t get to see me hit my first tennis ball over the net. People without family miss out on moments like those.
As we got into the car, I told him everything that happened while he was gone. For the first time in a long time, my family seemed complete. Him being gone left a hole inside of me. Finally I knew he would stay, and the hole vanished.
I’ll always remember that moment, when I saw him for the first time in a year. Now I love dad more, and it means more to me when he leaves or comes home.