A Salute On Father's Day
As many of you know, my wife Marie is a writer. In light of the upcoming Father’s Day celebrations, she wrote us a poem entitled “A Salute on Father’s Day”.
A Salute on Father's Day
by Marie Bonifacio
Here's a SALUTE to the Uncommon Men,
To the Brave Husbands & Dads who stayed.
Who defended the battle for family Life.
While many just gave up and strayed.
Who didn’t quit when the going got rough
Or when temptation called,
Who went to countless marriage retreats
Even though they fought through all.
Who remained with his troops.
Cleaned diaper poop,
Read goodnight stories,
Built legos. Shot hoops.
And checked for monsters under the bed.
Who went to school plays,
Watched games and cheered,
Endured when wife and kids
Got hormonally weird,
Rushed to ERs, dried the tears
Gave driving lessons, tons of sermons
Saved for tuition, screened their dates,
Carried luggage, stayed up late.
Read God’s word, prayed and worked,
Wrestled with bills, went to church,
Parked so far and walked so long.
Said “I’m sorry” when he was wrong.
Faced the teasing, when his vision got blurry.
Learned to be techie to reach his teens,
Got paid in: Hugs. A Card. A Song.
Here’s to Husbands and Fathers,
Perfectly Imperfect.
Imperfectly Perfect.
Stumbling and learning
Along the way.
Who took the vow and made the choice
“I will be with you” until the end.
“I’ll live this life with my best friend.
In sickness and in health,
Penniless or with wealth,
In baldness or in buffness,
In weight gain or wrinkles,
Through play groups and prom dates,
Birthdays and graduations,
Through “the terrible 2s” to the teenage blues,
Through blunders & bloopers,
Triumphs and trials,
As we learn to forgive and love each other
All over again.
Here’s a SALUTE to the Uncommon Men,
To the Brave Husbands & Dads who hold tight,
Who defend the battle for Family Life.
While many just give up the fight.
May the Father in heaven,
who sees you,
Bless you all the days of your life;
May He shower you with wisdom & health,
And watch over your kids and wife.
May His word be the values that guide you,
May His voice be the one you obey,
May your peace come from knowing
He loves you,
HE is fathering YOU, all the way.
The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." Romans 8:15
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