Good
Morning, Dad, It’s me again, just calling to say Hi
Don’t
I always have a thought or two I’d like to pass you by?
Maybe
it’s a rusted bolt or a clanking in the trunk,
Or
a thought that kept me up all night about a bike chain that got stuck.
Or
there may be a project, the “daddy-daughter” kind
Something
you and I can build that I’ve got on my mind.
Even
when there’s nothing that I need to ask about
I
want to call you anyway and let my feelings out.
Back
when I was younger I’d talk your ear right off
Ok,
maybe I still do, but you can take it, ‘cause you’re tough.
This
morning I just want to chat and tell you what is up
Maybe
brag about my kids. I know you’d eat
that up.
But,
Dad, my mind’s not thinking of the children still in bed
It’s
dwelling on the days gone by and my Daddy Dear instead
I’ll
keep my mouth from moving and let my memories flow
And
try to bring back things you taught and did so long ago.
Remember
the irrigation that flowed across the lawn
And
the trains that passed not far away just before the dawn?
There
were trees to climb in summer and sleds to ride in snow
And
roads to plow in winter, then lawns again to mow.
Work-time
was important and you taught me not to shirk
But
you also taught to romp and play when we’d finished all that work.
I
remember all the hook shots you would take out with the boys
And
the way you’d shout from bleachers and be heard above the noise.
“Get
up and run”, you’d tell us, “Take that shot and now rebound!”
When
we played sports we always knew our dad would be around.
But,
Dad, my mind’s not caught up with the playing and the sport
It’s
the feeling I have in my heart that seems of great import.
You’re
body, Dad, is older. It doesn’t run so
fast
As
it did when we were younger--in my memories of the past.
It’s
this thought that made me want to call and hear your voice today.
Thinking
with me always I want you and Mom to stay.
But that’s not the Father’s plan, you taught me all along
He planned that we’d get older and our bodies not stay strong.
Guess
here’s the thought I want to share as I call you up today.
I love you, Daddy…thank you. That's all I have to say.
But
wait, what is it I should do when your phone rings on and on?!
When
you aren’t around to tease me and help me carry on?!
Dad,
I love you so much my heart could break in two.
When
you’re not here to hear me, then what will I do????
“Sweety,”
I can hear you say, “Come here and sit by me.”
“Wipe
those tears right off your face and let those questions be.”
“You
know it’s not forever, this separation part.”
“You
know it deep down there inside your saddened little heart.”
“We’ve
taught you all since babies, God’s perfect, loving plan”
“So
tears arn’t necessary for this aging, older man.”
“Life
isn’t long for anyone, we’re not on this earth to stay”
“Then
we’ll all be back together. Let’s look
forward to that day!”
Thank
you, Dad, for listening, once again to my long thoughts
I’ll
call again tomorrow and we’ll have another talk.
Kathryn Chapman Oct 6, 2012
