| I Called Him 'Daddy' |
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'Daddy' is a very special word. It is a title, mostly. But, it is more than that to me. It is a matter of the heart. I love you daddy and I miss you terribly. Today, I need to speak my heart for all to hear. I have always known I was adopted ... well, almost always. Not that you ever made me feel like I was. You never made me feel like an outsider and I wish to thank you for that. Daddies are very important people. They teach us how to get through life. They guide and direct, soothe the hurts, share the smiles, and, then, give you space to find yourself. I will never forget the day I found out I was adopted. It hurt so bad and I cried. But, then, you told me that you wanted to adopt me. It was your choice. AND THEN YOU NEVER MENTIONED IT AGAIN. I remember the day I got expelled from drivers training class (that is a whole other story). The school called and told you to come and pick me up. Boy was I scared. We rode half way home before you ask me to tell you what I had done. I told you and you listened. Yet, you said nothing until we arrived home. As we got out of the car, you put your arm around my shoulder and admonished me that I knew I had done wrong and, then, smiled and said, "Heck, kid. I didn't know you had such spunk." AND THEN, YOU NEVER MENTIONED IT AGAIN. I remember the day that I accidentally met my blood father, while selling tickets to the school concerts. You came to get me,.. I thought you were really mad, you knew that I had met up with him,.. You looked so mad, but now I know it wasn't anger I saw there, it was hurt,. You said, I am your dad, no matter what you heard in there., and you are never to go there again. AND THEN YOU NEVER MENTIONED IT AGAIN. I know there were disappointing times, angry times, hard times. But, I always wanted to make you proud of me and I think I did. The day I graduated from high school, I think that was a look of pride on your face. You had raised me well. Or, the day you walked me down the aisle to be married, you looked proud and I even saw a little tear slide down your cheek, AND NOW, I MENTION IT AGAIN. The day our little Dale was born, you looked proud, and told me that I had done well. AND NOW, I MENTION IT AGAIN. Remember the night before little Dale passed away? You and mother stayed at the hospital so I could go home and get some sleep, and to make sure the little guy wouldn't be left alone. You were the one to call. I remember it well, "Honey, you better hurry." Then, you were there to comfort and see us through. That's what daddies do. AND NOW, I MENTION IT AGAIN. Remember, when you used to get so upset when we took strangers into our home, so afraid that we would get hurt, or worse? I told you that, maybe, it was God's will and, some day, when we get home to heaven, God would say, "Well done thy good and faithful servant," and how that that would be worth it all to me. Well, daddy, didn't you do the same thing when you took me in? You didn't know if you would be hurt or disappointed. That is the chance you took. I bet, when you walked into heaven, the Lord said, "Welcome home, my good and faithful servant. Enter the rest I have prepared for you." And, I bet little Dale ran to you and God gave you each a fishing pole and a cubs baseball hat, and pointed you to the Crystal Sea. What a reunion you two have had! I WOULD LIKE TO MENTION ALL THAT, AGAIN. Daddy, today, we will say good bye to your earthly body. It is January 31st, the anniversary of the death of little Dale. How like God to double mark that date for us. Just in case we mentioned it, again. Thank you, daddy, for the good life you worked to give me. Thank you for adopting me. But, most of all, I would like to mention, once and for all, "Thanks for loving me." |
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© 2003 by Sandra Griffin Sandra |
| And, TODAY, I mention it, again; FATHERS DAY. And, by the way, Daddy, the cubs are in first place. Just wanted to make your day. Love ya and kiss Dale for me |
| Other poems by Sandra Griffin A large collection of poems, submitted by Sandra Griffin |
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