Only a Dad

I’m in New Jersey, my husband is in California today — the second year in a row that I have been  gone on Father’s Day…

I found a book, The Children’s Book of Heroes by William Bennett in the backseat of my nephew’s  car today. I was looking at the illustrations and seeing which heroes are listed in the book — people like George Washington, Jackie Robinson and Mother Teresa. One particularly caught my interest — Dad, and this poem by Edgar Guest.

Happy Father’s Day, BigGuy!!

Only a Dad with a tired face, coming home from the daily race,

Bringing little of gold or fame to show how well he has played the game.

But glad in his heart that his own rejoice, to see him come and to hear his voice.

Only a dad with a brood of four. One of ten million men or more.

Plodding along in the daily strife, bearing the whips and the scorns of life.

With never a whimper of pain or hate, for the sake of the those who at home await.

Only a Dad, neither rich nor proud, merely one of the surging crowd.

Toiling, striving from day to day, facing whatever may come his way.

Silent whenever the harsh condemn, and bearing it all for the love of them.

Only a Dad but he gives his all, to smooth the way for his children small.

Doing with courage and stern and grim, the deeds that his father did for him.

This is the line that for him I pen, only a Dad but the best of men!

And happy father’s day to-be, Ryan!!!