From generation to generation
Times have changed so much
By leaps and bounds
Back when technology did not exist
I grew up in a family of 13 kids
Survival was the game of life
Working hard day and night
Trying to make a better life
Nothing was easy
You just did your best
And hoped to reap some reward
Since I tried to live my life
Like an open book
I thought you’d understand
I helped raise six hungry kids
Fed them, sent them to school
And gave them their wings
Six impressionable little minds
Had I known my words would mean so much
All I knew was you needed to be tough
To be ready to face life
So I taught you what I learned
Convinced all you needed were the basics
And you would find your way
I didn’t think I’d be doing you any favours
By painting rosy pictures and
I wouldn’t have known how
My models were two hard working parents
Whose fulltime job was to feed and clothe 13 kids
Barely making ends meet
No time for dreams, barely time for sleep
Too exhausted to even keep up
With the treadmill of daily living
Like baby birds I sent you off from the nest
To stretch your new wings and fly on your own
Find your way and do better than me if you could
I didn’t think I was remiss I gave it my all
Careful not to lose myself in the process
Teeter tottering to maintain balance
Keeping that all important flame alive within
So one day I could be free again to be me
I wish I had told you more often
That I love you and I’m proud of you
I thought my actions would speak louder than words
We each have our journey to live and learn from
I am watching over you from above
Better late than never
I want to tell you today that I love you
And I hope you have a fulfilling life
Until we meet again
Dad xx