A not so Happy Birthday... A poem for my Dad

This doesn't even come close to what I want to say about my Dad. The way that I want to remember him, his strength and courage. The last few years are not a reflection of who he was or what he could do. 

My Dad stood out in a crowd, he left an amazing legacy that I am so proud of him for and I can't even brag about, just one of those quiet things he did to help others. He wasn't perfect and isn't now, I never wanted him to be. I just wish he could understand how much I love him, how much his grand daughters care for him and adored him. 

I think he took just about every grand baby for their very first Dairy Queen ice cream cone. It was a milestone for them and you couldn't even get mad at him for doing it when they were so young because he was just so proud of how cute they were trying to eat that little cone. 

My Dad tried to get me to believe I was beautiful and smart, I never really did believe it but he sure did think so... I love you Dad... I wish you could do what other retired people do ... travel in a motor home and visit family but that wasn't in the cards for you... I just hope some of these words help convey how I feel for you. I have agonized over this poem and like I said, it doesn't even come close to how I feel about you. I can only say this THANK YOU for being the best Dad you could be!

An Ode To My Dad

Once I was a little girl
You were the only man

In my whole  world

I had to look way, way up

To see your face

You were my Dad

You filled all of my space

Like an oak it seemed

You would stand forever

I was your princess

You kept me safe

You gave me all I could

Ever want or possibly need

You bought me a pony

And my first motorbike

You took me camping, fishing

And so many things I like

You were my Dad,

The only man in my life

One day you gave me

A heart shaped locket

It was so beautiful , gold

Personal and made me know

I was  important to you

You said you wanted me to feel

Special, surrounded by boys

You were my Dad,
The only man in my life

I grew taller,

But you were always big in my eyes

A gentle giant,

With a smile and laugh

That when it broke across your face

Made me feel warm

And loved in your embrace

You used to sing

And play the guitar

Now when I hear the songs

I don’t feel you’re very far

You were my Dad,

The only man in my life.

I grew older

I thought I knew so much

You didn’t seem to age

I never thought you would

Grow old, get weak

You gave me away

Twice, as I married

You blessed my babies

You were always there for me

You were my Dad

You were the one,

I could always depend on

We have both grown older

Life has moved on
Now I have grown children

Of my own, They look up to you

And love you dear

We are so far, wish we were near
I have  a man in my life
That I cherish,
But you are still my Dad

You were like a tree

So big and strong

Sturdy and always there

You could do anything

Like a tree, your branches

Have grown weak

The sap is thinning

But you are still my Dad

So important in my life

I wish I could make

Your golden years happier

Less difficult, healthier

If I could care for you

As you cared for me
I could repay the love
I know this isn't
How you wanted it to be

I know you feel lost

Alone, in despair

You are still an important man

In my world, your daughters

Your sons, your grandchildren

Your wife, you are part of our life

We all love you deeply

Your leaves are drifting

From the tree, but memories

Will hold our love, the

Time we spent at your knee

Love always,

Your daughter, Toot

Sarah Sherman (C)