A Father's Letter to his Son

UPDATED: Sharing this article again in celebration of Father's Day (June 18, 2017).

The poem I will share to you is from Francis Kong's One Day at a Time Book 2. If you are looking for motivational and inspirational books, scout for his works. This poem seemed to hit a soft spot in my heart because I never really grew up with my Dad around in most of my growing years because he is an OFW.

Here it is. This is a letter of a father to his son who is a soldier during World War II.

Dear Son,

I wish I had the power to write

The thoughts wedged in my heart tonight

As I sit watching that small star

And wondering where and how you are.

You know, Son, it's a funny thing

How close a war can really bring

A father, who for years with pride.

Has kept emotions deep inside.

I'm sorry, Son, when you were small

I let reserve build up that wall;

I told you real men never cried,

And it was Mom who always dried

Your tears and smoothed your hurts away

So, that you soon went back to play.

But, Son, deep down within my heart

I longed to have some little part

In drying that small tear-stained face,

But we were men - men don't embrace.

And suddenly I found my son

A full-grown man with childhood done.

Tonight you're far across the sea,

Fighting a way for men like me.

Well, somehow pride and what is right

Have changed places here tonight

I find my eyes won't stay quite dry

And that men sometimes really cry.

And if we stood here, face to face,

I'm sure, my Son, we would embrace.

(Excerpt from the article, The Game my Father Saw)

With the parents. =)

I can only imagine how hard it is being a father. Because I can never be one nor can I ever replace my Dad for anyone else. Most often than not, the only way they can show their love for their children is by being a disciplinarian and a provider. They exhaust all means to provide even if it meant going abroad and missing out a big part in their children's everyday lives. They cannot be soft nor can they always show their emotions in front of the family. As society always depicted, they should always be the sturdy foundation of the family. It doesn't have to be Father's Day to give thanks. We should always reflect on what they have done for us and on what we are doing to repay them for everything they have given us.