Father’s Day! Congratulations and best wishes to all dads everywhere. To my son, first of all, a wonderful father to two awfully neat kids, to brothers and cousins and friends who are celebrating this day. And, although he isn’t here any more, a big thank you to my own dad, the captain at the helm of the Day family ship for many, many years.
Ship Captain at Helm
I’ve always felt that my family was blessed to have parents such as ours. Some families have a mom who is both mother and father to her children and they do a marvelous job. Some families have only a dad when the mom is gone and they, too, shoulder a double responsibility.
Whatever the case, I’m convinced that the family is the backbone of America. A strong family unit, hopefully led by a caring mother and father, is what our nation is made of. Raising a family is not an easy job, but it is entirely worth it. So, hats off to you, dads, young and old, those present and those who have gone on before us. We need you and we thank you.
This poem I wrote quite some time ago reminds me of my own father, Bob Day. He was as strong and as tough as a sturdy tree. He set a good example for his sons and grandsons and, I’m happy to say, they learned from him and are following in his footsteps.
The Cottonwood
At Grandfather’s farm, in back of the house
Stood a large, ancient cottonwood tree.
How it weathered the years and stood fast in the storms
Was a wonder and marvel to me.
My grandfather said that the tree had strong roots
Sinking deep, holding fast to the ground,
For the earth never lost it though wind tore and tossed it
And lesser trees fell all around.
I remember that tree when storms threaten me
And I’m battered by dangers and doubts
For I’m kept by the love of my Father above
And my roots are both anchored and stout.
–Blanche Day Manos
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