A Penned Portrait

A Penned Portrait

Memories of Dad

Ritz crackers or Little Debbie’s

with Mt. Dew to top them off.

Simple things that say you, Daddy,

like drinking milk straight from the jug.

Recollections wrap me like a hug.

Curled up in your reclining chair,

leaning into the warmth of you.

Elmer Fudd’s chasing a gray hare.

Yosemite Sam’s guns are flashing.

Loved listening to you laughing.

Music dances in my memories,

each song a love note in its way.

Of all the songs you sang to me,

“Wake Up Little Susie” never fades

- so many records we once played.

Forehead furrowed with eyebrows raised

peering over glasses “What’d you say?”

We kids were loved and we were praised,

but in some things you didn’t play.

Rules were rules we were to obey.

The quiet moments that we shared

discussing the depths of God’s word,

deep discussions where you declared

Bible lessons learned in your youth;

teaching my heart to trust God’s truth.

Our rolling stone, you taught me well.

Change is adventure, not to be feared.

Some days fall flat, others excel.

Dare - for dreams are worth the vying.

True failure comes in never trying.

As I reminisce and rewind,

your love for Mom and family

is the utmost memory in my mind.

For the past, present and yet to be,

thank you, Dad, for all you are to me.

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I could write a poem card worthy, 

too much like someone else's words.

I could write serious or silly. 

I prefer something never heard

...a penned portrait ideally. 

I wanted something that reflected my Dad and how much I am my Daddy's girl. I look like a younger reflection of my mother, but oh how much I am like my Dad in personality. He found one of my poems years ago and in his beautiful handwriting (much prettier than mine) he wrote, "Susie, I didn't know you could do this." 

I still have that note somewhere.  I hope when I deliver this poem to him later today, that it touches his heart. I can't imagine my life without him. I am the person I am today, because of lessons learned from Dad. 

Happy Father's Day to my Dad who is a jack of all trades, flawed in some ways, perfect in others!  

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Heavenly Father, 

Thank you for my earthly father. The first man I ever loved! May You who sees the true heart of all men, bless him today and always. ~ Amen