From a Dad to His Dad

It’s time I said thanks for being my dad

No, not just ’cause you’re the only one I’ve had

‘Cause over the years my sincere appreciation

Has grown to be more than just an estimation

For of certain memories, which never seem to fade

It’s just my perception that’s changed, of sacrifices made

For since I too have tread the path of a dad

I can no longer view you from the eyes of a lad.

Yes, it’s more than genes that make a father

Otherwise we’d have just said, ‘Why bother?’

Why bother sacrifice or try to inspire?

Especially when teens their dads try to fire?

So an overdue ‘thank you’ for when I was a pain

You endured through those years without going insane

OK maybe you did flip, a time, maybe two

But I can understand, ’cause I’ve been there too

Yes, dads don’t get the credit that they really deserve

But I think in Heaven there will be a big reserve

Where there will be ‘thank-you’s and lots of understanding

For those heartbreaks and sacrifices– for performances outstanding

But a portion I’m acknowledging now, while we’re still here

‘though the half that you’ve done, I don’t know, I fear

‘Though it’s not much, it’s my way

To to my dad, to say, ‘Happy Father’s Day!’

[Yep, that's me, with my dad-- circa 1953]