Forrest L

THIS MAN IN MY LIFE

My mother rocked me and held me tight
She bathed me and fed me and kissed me good night
She made me feel loved and safe and secure
Her love was a love so infinitely pure

But she wasn’t the only one there for me
There was a man in my life taking care of my needs
He worked hard each day to earn a good living
He made it his goal to be loving and giving

I learned so much from this man in my life
Most of all - how to have fun and appreciate life
He inspired my imagination and taught me the ways
To make the most out of just ordinary days

He took me on picnics and to the fair
Walks to the park in the warm summer air
He told stories on a blanket under the stars
He made me believe the whole world was ours

I’ll always be thankful how he disciplined with love instead of fear
With encouraging words and lessons and guidelines that were clear
How he taught me the importance of distinguishing wrong from right
And how he instilled in me the will to always choose what was wise

And today I cherish his appreciation and love for nature
That far surpasses that of his neighbor
His love for birds and animals, plants and stars
His wonderful garden and his beautiful yard

I love how he’s always aware of others’ needs
How he gives away so much - his possessions and deeds
He has a soft spot for old folks, children, and people down on their luck
Also, people who are sick or lonely or just need a buck

This man in my life who taught me so much
Who’s always been kind and supportive and such
This man is my father - and I’m happy to say
His life is an example still teaching today

Submitted by Anonymous

Teaching By Example