Dedicated to my sons
What a journey it has been!
It has brought me over hill and dale,
to sparkling rivers, streams, brooks,
with my trusty dog underfoot.
It has brought me to various colors of the meadows,
to the green of majestic trees, the blue of the sky,
and the whiteness of the clouds.
It has led me to heartbreak, first, young love
with smiles unfulfilled, kisses unmet.
It has brought me to marriage, true love and sharing,
which I first did not understand.
But life has a way of teaching.
It has led me to a small hand placed in mine
with all the confidence in the world
that I would protect and guide this little being
as father, teacher or friend.
It has brought me to dark, cold, and lonely roads
where there is no light,
only faith can show the way.
It brought me to a place of gratitude,
for I have learned, that when I helped you,
I also greatly helped me.
It has brought me to a sense of family,
caring, loving, compassionate, yet sometimes not understanding,
family with all our differences, strong wills, independence,
we have remained as one, together.
I have no regrets or remorse about where my heart has led me!
It has shown me the joys, the beauty, and the wonderfulness of life,
the mountains of triumph and the valleys of defeat,
the warmth of love, and the pain of loss.
With these words, I promise you, I will continue to follow my heart.
Love,
Dad