Tribute

Tribute

Seventy-five years ago
a tow-headed boy was born
in the Oklahoma dust –
first child, first son
my father.

Much too soon
you lost your father
         when you were only five
and you had to make your own way
as best you could,
in spite of a brutal step-father
and too many mouths to feed.

You fought your way
through poverty
the death of precious sisters
and a World War –
until you met your one true love,
created your own family,
and finally found your destiny
         and maybe a sense of peace?

You were determined
from the moment your own tow-headed boy appeared
to create a different kind of family
provide a different sort of life
than that to which you had been born.
And so from the moment
the three of us each took our first breath
we always have known
how much we are loved
how much we are cherished
and how there is nothing more important
in your life
than us.

You rose from the dust and ashes
of your embattled past
and taught us to sing in harmony
with life and with each other.
You taught us that laughter
really is the best medicine.
And you gave us the gift
of your unwavering faith
and persevering spirit.

Seventy five years ago
a tow-headed boy was born
in the Oklahoma dust –
first child, first son
my father.

Today
and every day
I celebrate his life.