Happy Birthday to my Dad!

I've often wished I could write poetry with ease, but I'm just not gifted that way. I did find this poem to give my dad today for his birthday. Happy Birthday Dad... I love you.
Life Lessons

You may have thought I didn't see,
Or that I hadn't heard,
Life lessons that you taught to me,
But I got every word.

Perhaps you thought I missed it all,
And that we'd grow apart,
But Dad, I picked up everything,
It's written on my heart.

Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be
The woman I am today;
You built a strong foundation
No one can take away.

I've grown up with your values,
And I'm very glad I did;
So here's to you, dear father,
From your forever grateful kid.

By Joanna Fuchs
Thoughts about my dad, today, on his 56th Birthday... a father should never have to bury his only son, but my dad had to do that this year. I've never seen my dad weep like I did in those days. But, the caring my dad had for my brother was not expressed only in those days after Mark was gone. I can honestly say that my brother knew the deep love my parents had for him while he was living. I know this because I had so many conversations with my brother over the past several years. One thing that always came out in our conversations was how he knew how much my parents cared for him. Mark undoubtedly knew that Dad loved him unconditionally. That is all a father can give to his children... There were many hard days, but Mark always knew of the undying love from his father. What a beautiful earthly example of our relationship with our heavenly father. Arms open wide, forgiving us of our sins, wiping the slate clean, and helping us in a new walk. Of course, the end was not what any of us wanted, but I hope that my Dad is at peace that he did do all that was humanly possible to show his love to my brother. And, they have many, many wonderful times together, memories shared by father and son. Life is so precious, and the line between life and death is sometimes so much closer than we realize. Thank you, Dad, for being there... for all of us. Happy Birthday.