(for Father’s Day)
Family by Design
Each family has its own degree of milestones it will cross,
It sets a tone for how we deal with laughter, love and loss;
The ups and downs we share “together” build a repertoire
Of woven lives and blended hearts that make us who we are.
When we lost mom, I think some feared the glue that held us near
Could vanish if we lost our way to all that grief and fear;
These milestones shape the paths we take … directions we will head,
And you dear Dad, became our guiding force and common thread.
I think you channeled mom in ways you may not realize
To help us fortify our bonds through strengthened family ties;
If by design (or whispers) from our angel up above,
We rallied as a family, surrounded by your love.
I’m proud of how we navigated through our rough terrain,
Your visits, texts and phone calls keep us close, and safe, and sane;
Our emails and our conversations … everyone here knows,
Are often filled with “I Love you’s”, with x’s and with o’s.
Those aren’t just empty phrases signing off a little chat,
They’re meant, they’re felt, they’re real and true; they mean much more than that;
I hope you know these gestures bring a warm and fuzzy feel,
They make us smile and that’s because we “know” that they are real.
Your Dad-hugs are like favorite blankets wrapping us with love,
And when you squeeze a hand, it fits like someone’s well-worn glove;
Your “hello dears” and “hey there chums” are music to our ears,
Those greetings transcend generations, echoed through the years.
We thank you Dad, for all those times you catch us when we fall,
You’re kind and you’re compassionate … supportive to us all;
You listen to our tales of woe, and share advice that’s sound,
(Then cross your fingers that we heed the wisdom you expound).
I hope you know how much you’re loved, how much we truly care,
Not one of us has moved away (that’s really kind of rare);
Perhaps that speaks to how close-knit our hearts are intertwined,
Or how our milestones shaped the way our family was designed.
How did we get so lucky Dad? Where are these blessings from?
You sometimes say the best gift that you gave us was our mom;
And though that’s true, I have to say … there is another part,
Because you gift us every day, with all “your” love and heart.
/Kit Detering June 16, 2023