Make Dad feel loved on his day

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON

“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another

person, he believed in me.”

-- JIM VALVANO

“You know ... fathers just have a way of putting everything

together.”

-- ERIKA COSBY

Here we are on the eve of Father’s Day, the day to honor fathers.

Fathers play such a special and significant role in the lives of

their children, and hopefully they will feel loved and appreciated

for all they have done and still do.

I was pleased to share inspirational poetry by my friend Frank

Carpenter for Mother’s Day, and I am thrilled to share his work again

with you this Father’s Day. Enjoy!

*

“What I Wanted to Say,” by Frank Carpenter

I didn’t buy a gift for you this year for Father’s Day

Instead, I chose to concentrate on what I have to say

Because more than ever this year it means so much you see

To have a dad like you to love, and who I know loves me

You’ve been such a great example to my brothers, kids and I

Of what a Christian man should be, and an all-around good guy

Your love, joy, peace and patience, kindness and gentleness

Your self-control and humility rank among the very best

You have ever loved and cherished my mom through decades long

Which I believe may be a man’s main job to keep his family strong

You’ve been the quiet kind of hero every son needs in his life

Standing firmly for the good things in the midst of trial and

strife

Being there for each occasion with a kind and gentle word

Your very presence adding emphasis to make your wisdom heard

So today, just for a moment, I wish to pause and celebrate

The good fortune God has shown by giving me a man so great

To be a friend and mentor and a trusted confidant

To be just who I needed, the dad any man would want

I could never find a present which might begin to say

All the things I feel about you which relate to Father’s Day

Rather, let me here proclaim four words so very true

For all the reasons stated above...

Dad, I sure love you!

*

Thank you Frank, for your encouraging words, and thank you fathers

for your encouraging lives!

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive,

Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.