Father's Great Lessons

No man is perfect, and neither were you.
But you taught me values
That have gotten me through
Many trials in life when the choices weren't clear.
Your lessons grow more precious
As I use them year to year.

The first value was honesty. "Always tell the truth."
This is a lesson that must be learned
When a child is in her youth--
That honesty brings trust and respect that will abide.
Yes, this was your greatest lesson.
That cannot be denied.

The second was integrity. "Always do as you say."
This goes hand-in-hand with honesty
And you showed me every day
That to say you will do this or that and conveniently forget
Is nothing more than telling a lie-
An action you'll soon regret.

Generosity was your third lesson. I always saw you give
To those who had no money
Or needed a place to live
Even though we were poor and had little on our shelves.
Yes, you taught me well, and I'll never forget
That there's more in this life than ourselves.

The final great lesson that you sought to teach
Was to have pride in myself
And always to reach
For the best life could give me and be all I could be.
That was your greatest hope,
As far as I can see.

Now, Dad, you've left me. It was so long ago
But I'll never forget
How you tried to show
Your love for your children by helping us learn
That respect isn't given-
It's something we earn.

Happy Father's Day, Dad. Your lessons will stay with me for a lifetime.