Happy Birthday….
to my Daddy. How I wish that I could be there for you tomorrow to celebrate another year with you. I think back to a poem that I wrote for you when I was 15 years old….It’s what I gave to you for your birthday as you have never been one for material things. Over the years, the poem has traveled well from one house to another, somewhere lost from your hands, and eventually making its’ way back to you. And while I don’t have it in my hands, I still have the sentiment in my heart to share with you.
One of seven born into a humble beginning, he played on the bank of the creek feeling the soft mud between his toes And he dug for worms to ‘pay his way’ to go fishing with his Uncle, a man whose kindness made an impression that would last a lifetime.
School held so many possibilities to expand his universe, and though he didn’t particularly care for school, quitting never crossed his mind. Even though he wasn’t fully aware of it, his thirsty mind drank the waters of knowledge as he developed his love of reading that would stay with him to this very day.
And events far more difficult than any child should experience filled so many days of his childhood, as his mother became his angel.
Braving a new world, he joined the army, traveled overseas and then moved to the big city. Hard work intersecting with opportunities, like the railroads running through the big city opened a world of possibilities and dreams of his own family and home.
So the young man became a Father, determined to give his children more than he ever dreamed of having.And he cradled his first born as she cried during the night, reassuring her Mother that everything’s going to be alright.
Time marches on….. as he sacrificed for his family, climbing the proverbial ladder to provide what he never had. This man, the last of seven, born into humble beginnings has made his mark and there’s an angel in heaven today that is oh so proud of her young man, the man I call Dad.
I thank you for being the best Dad I could ever hope for. You gave me a solid foundation, of love, of knowledge, of possibilities as your little girl. And as I grew into a woman, I came to know you as a true friend, a friend I can share my hopes and dreams with, a friend who I go to for advice, help and comfort.
Happy Birthday to the best Dad ever! I love you!
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