Sunday, June 20, 2010

A Little Different Father’s Day


I’m sure you started off as a good Dad
Although you didn’t have a good example of one to follow.

I’m sure you loved us in your heart everyday
And that it was just the alcohol that got in the way.

I’m sure we must have celebrated a Father’s day or two
But I sure can’t remember a one.

I must have made you paper gifts in school
That you carried in your mind and heart.

Funny how it took so many years to go back to the beginning
And see you for the fragile human that we all are.

My own inadequacies show up in my memories of you
And my understanding has come full circle.

So on this day of love and respect for the fathers in our lives
I say, you did what you could do. I forgive you.

Happy Father’s Day.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

this is lovely, and I understand it more than I care to admitt.

much luv and hugs my friend

DawnTreader said...

I was just commenting to someone else ealier today: Whether good or bad memories - or both - I think one often comes to look at one's parents a little differently as one grows older...

I keep coming across this theme today... Although in Sweden, we celebrate father's day on a different date (in the late autumn).

Heather said...

You came to my mind today, I don't know why that is, but you did and now I read your thoughts...

This is a beautiful understanding, sweet friend.

Love to you.

septembermom said...

I can see you have peace in your heart. That is good :) All my best to you my friend.

jennifer black said...

Wow. This is very powerful.

Graham Edwards said...

This is the second Father's day post which has brought tears to my eys - though for different reasons. I admire your courage and your words.

Dan Felstead said...

Shabbygirl...I am speechless. The honesty here is beautiful and I feel good for yo that you have begun to lessen the burden. Your best post yet...it was obvious that it came from the heart. Also the picture is beautiful.

Dan

Max-e said...

That is really from the heart Shabbygirl. I am sure that there are many fathers out there who do not realise the tremendous power they have to influence their childrens' lives. I came to terms with my father about 8 years after his death, when I was in my late forties. My sister who has turned 60 is still struggling.
It is great that you can forgive and move forward.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

lovely poem revealing it comes from your heart.

I like the water droplets on the rose bush.

Flora & Fauna

Books I have known & loved

  • Life of Pi
  • A Hundred Years of Solitude
  • Kite Runner
  • The Way the Crow Flies
  • Fall on Your Knees
  • Poisonwood Bible
  • East of Eden
  • Shantaram
  • I Know This Much is True

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