MY DAD  

By Joan Patrick Drysdale       daughter of R. W. John Robert Patrick

For every person in this life I've known,

There is one who stands above the rest, alone. My Dad.

From infancy when he sang to me and talked,

To childhood when we took our special walks.

I learned from him how special our life is,

How much he gave me that was solely his. I love my Dad.

And on to youth with all its growing pains,

He taught me to accept the losses and gains. He gave me of himself as no one could,

He showed me how to be what man calls good. I love my Dad.

And then to marriage, the husband and the kids,

And there was Dad, doing what he always did.

Forgiving and supportive, as no one else could be,

Kind and loving, giving his all to me. I love my Dad.

And then the loss of one we dearly loved,

His wife, my Mom, was called to rest above.

And through it all he still had strength to give,

And though the loss was great, the will to live. I love my Dad.

And then the greatest trial I'd ever faced,

When the man I'd loved and lived for won the race.

And there was Dad, my pillar, strength and will, And here we are years later, sharing still. I love my Dad.

When all is said and done and he is gone,

And I walk this earth so very much alone,

I'll remember ever word he said to me.

I'll practice every virtue he instilled.

I'll smile at all the joy and good we've shared.

I'll continue because he taught me that he cared. I'll always love my Dad.