Father's Day Gary Barnes

Father's Day
Gary Barnes

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.