May 18, 2005

A Father's Days

Dedicated to my father ~ George Rhebergen ~ with deepest appreciation

I remember

years ago, you said

"I would like to have been

a better father"

as though you hadn't been

and all opportunity had gone

I do not recall

being hungry

or cold

or unloved

I do recall

laughter

open arms

a caring heart

self evaluation is not

the truest guide

comparing what is

to what could have been

leads to despair

I have seen fathers

in many days

and know you to be the best

you led me to God

not prideful

or selfish

but with a woman at your side

and children beneath your wing

humbly seeing His example

of a Father's love

pale our own

you taught me tears

sometimes matter more

than muscle

you showed me to forgive

when hopes

turned into dreams

and morning comes

you did not stop

being a father

nor I your son

when I left home

to return with a woman at my side

and children beneath my own wing

but coached from further along

encouraging me onward

into this new

and sometimes overwhelming life

and years from now

(many, I pray)

when God has finally called you home

you will not cease

to be a Dad

for what I saw you live

I will live myself

in ongoing appreciation

of lessons truly taught

and the Truth behind the man