Happy Father’s Day to all of the amazing dads out there!

I remember a conversation I had once with my dear old dad, a brief moment of clarity in the midst of my pubescent angst.  I expressed my gratitude for everything he had done for me, and I asked how I could possibly repay him. His response?

“You’ll repay me by raising your children right.”

I thought, “Sweet! Saves me a lot of money on gifts!”

My ignorance is so laughable now.  Being up to my eyeballs in child rearing, I now realize how challenging it truly is. I appreciate more than ever the sacrifices my parents made for me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to see it all come full circle.  I hope I make you proud.

And I apologize from the bottom of my heart for being such a pain in the ass as a teenager.

I wrote this for my dad several years ago on Father’s Day.  It’s mushy and sentimental, but what do you expect on a Hallmark Holiday?  I love you, Dad! Happy Father’s Day!

“To the one who

grew me from a seed,

met my every want and need

whose hand was always firm, but fair

who disciplined with love and care

The one who taught me how to fish,

here for you my dearest wish.

Let my life be a tribute to

all the things I learned from you.

The values you instilled in me

make me a living legacy

to the greatest man I’ve ever known,

from the luckiest seed

to ever be sown.”

© 2015 Amy Porterfield