Father
he taught me
more about integrity
by living true to his beliefs
every single day of his life.
he taught me
more about forgiveness
by loving me unconditionally
even in my most unworthy hours.
he taught me
more about courage
by setting heavenly goals and
reaching for them with all his earthly might.
he taught me
more about life
by laughing often and being
unafraid to surrender at times to tears.
oh father, your earliest prayers follow me still
and your steadfast, unfailing love,
the finest earthly treasure I possess,
is manifest in the meager human heart
of a child forever and always in your loving debt.
– Jerry Dan Deutschendorf