It was a sunny day, the sky was a
deep blue without a cloud in sight. I sat back in my
chair pondering the questions of life. Not sure where my life was
headed, I was trying to bring the big picture into focus. Sitting, waiting
for some sort of sign.
I looked back at my life, the good and bad, and the thought of my
father weighed heavily on my mind. How many times have I blamed
Dad for my failures? "If only" was my cry. "If
only" he had said he loved me. "If only" he had said he was
proud of me. . . If only!
I was taken aback by the next thought that crossed my mind.
An inner voice spoke to me, saying, "Have you ever told your
dad you were proud of him?"
I thought, "Why would I tell my dad I was proud of him?
All the putdowns, all the times he made feel like I was not
good enough. Why would I ever tell him I was proud of
him?"
Then it hit me; a light went off inside my head. The inner
voice softly answered, "He did the best he knew how. Sure, he
had his faults, but he always loved you in his own way.
Maybe, he never said the words, but his actions said it all.
He worked very hard to keep your family sheltered, clothed
and fed."
|
|
I tried to argue back, "I know he did all those things,
but he never said the words I longed to hear."
What I heard next melted my heart and brought tears to my
eyes. The voice responded, "He was never taught that by his
own father. How can he tell you words he doesn't know how to
say?!"
I sat stunned and silent, tears rolling down my face. I thought long and hard and realized how much my father meant to me.
Father's Day was only a week away, and I wanted to give him
something special. I wondered what would be the perfect Father's
Day present. Finally, after much thought, I concluded that I would
write my dad a special poem for Father's Day.
I put the pencil to the paper and started to write. The words
flowed through me, all the anger I once had towards my father
vanished. As I finished the poem, I looked it over and
realized that some force had inspired me to create this work of
art.
This is the poem I handed to my dad on Father's Day:
DAD
I want you to know how much I truly appreciate you. We have
come a long way, Dad, and through it all, I have always loved
you. I know growing up can be a difficult time for both father and
son. I know you didn't always say the words I longed to hear, but
your actions spoke louder than words. You were always there for
me, providing me with the needs for my survival. We drifted apart
at times, only because I chose to push you away. Blaming you
for my shortcomings and setbacks, while I was only hurting
myself. It's not until we grow older and expand individually, that
we recognize the true meaning of LOVE. Dad, not only have you
given me so many qualities that I admire in you, such as your
strength, wisdom, love and courage, but you have given me the
greatest gift of all. . . LIFE.
Dad, I want you to know that I love you and I'm truly proud that
you are my FATHER. Without you and your guidance, I would have
never developed into the man that I have become.
Happy Father's Day! I Love you!
Gary Barnes
* * * * *
Originally posted to Self-worth.com, Gary's old site where he
offered many inspirational and
encouraging articles.
|
|
