February 1989

Dad

I’ve never told you

of the impact you’ve had

on the way I’ve grown

maybe that I never will

but daily

in my prayers

I’ve thanked God for you

(and beside you

Mom)

and the influence you’ve had

from babe

to boy

to youth

and at last

as a man

each step I took

was beneath your eye

to approve

or rebuke

in either case

you were there

mere words could never say

the thanks I mean to give

now as I take that final step

from your home

to one of my own

I think of all you’ve been

as I’ve grown

and I remember one

more than all

your walk with God

guiding mine

helping it mature

to where I can face the world

unashamed of my Father

as my father is unashamed

and for this

more than all

I thank you

I pray someday that I may show

to a son of mine

what you’ve shown to me

and watch him as he grows

from child to man

under God and myself

as I was

under God and you