Maybe you’ll understand one day

I found this Father’s Day poem and it reminded me of the true value of being a parent (The family picture has my four daughters in the picture, Bethany, Elissa, Kendra and Janelle!

On the day I was born I met you, Dad.

Over the first few years, I learned,
you were strong and always there.

As I grew a few years older,

I could remember you leaving home.

I’d say, “Daddy where are you going?”

“I have to go to work.” you’d respond.

I was very sad. I didn’t understand.

You would “go to work,” almost every day.
You were almost always gone.

I didn’t understand.

I can still hear you saying,
“I have to go to work – I love you.”
and perhaps silently hoping…
“maybe one day you’ll understand.”

You worked hard.
We always had enough.
I couldn’t understand.

As I grew even older,
you provided experiences and opportunities.

From being on teams to going to camps,
I made new friends and learned a lot.
I repeatedly changed my mind, but I always excelled.

I’m grown now.
I work hard – like you did.
I have children of my own.
I spend more time with them
– because of you, I can.

Thanks Dad, now I understand.