Happy Father's Day*

(Author's Note: As we celebrate or observe Father's Day on Sunday, June 15, 2014, I would like to dedicate the poem below to all fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, foster Dads, and uncles and older or big brothers (who assume the responsibilities of being a dad or father-figure to others) out there. Here's a sincere Thank You to all of us, Dad or Papa. For those of us whose Dads and/or grandpas have passed away, I solemnly pray, " May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen." Yes, fathers still matter in the lives of their children. To my two children, Andrew and Christine, thank you for having given me the opportunity to be your Dad. And, to my doting wife, Freny, thank you for having given me the opportunity to be a Dad, a good Dad, that is! God bless our fathers and grandfathers!)

Today is a special day
To honor and pay tribute to you
Father---our role model,
Who sets a good example
For us to follow and emulate.

When we're down and troubled,
You're there to lend a hand
You cheer us up and brighten our day
You comfort us and give us company
And inspire us with your life story.

You guide us and strengthen us,
Protect us from worries and anxieties,
Teach us life's wonders and mysteries,
Life's complexities and uncertainties,
Changes and challenges...

Father, we thank you
For the life and love, joy and patience
You share us each and every day
And the support you provide us
Into our home, our family.

Happy Father's Day!

-Chris A. Quilpa, a resident of Suffolk, is a retired U.S. Navy veteran. Visit his blog at onebuddingpoet/writer-chris.blogspot.com. Email him at chris.a.quilpa@gmail.com.

*Published in the award-winning Suffolk News-Herald (online edition, Thursday, June 12, 2014, and print edition, Friday, June 13, 2014). For more information, visit www.suffolknewsherald.com.