Dad

For so many years, Dad, my heart cried out in anger, a child’s voice echoing through time, asking why you left when I was still so young, so unready.

I felt abandoned, and in my pain, I mistook silence for absence, grief for injustice. I thought I’d done something wrong. I couldn’t understand why love would walk away without a final word.

But now, as a man, as a father, I see what you left behind was not a wound,but a wellspring.

The loss, the struggle, the ache of your absence, they shaped me. They carved strength where there was none, and grew resilience in soil only sorrow could till.
Because of you, my children have a better father. Because I lost you, they gained someone who understands how sacred presence is.

Thank you, Dad. I’m so very sorry it took me so long to see your gift. I’m sorry my grief turned to blame.

I love you more than words, more than time.

Happy Father’s Day.

Always and Forever, your son, Jim Jim