Reflections: Happy Father's Day!

Our Contributing Editor and Poet-in-Residence, Bob Weirauch, wrote this ode a long time ago. Obviously, it has withstood the test of time as has Father's Day, 

Fathers Day

Sitting waterside at a Northwoods lake. It's the kind of day I still dream about from when I was a kid. Fluffy white clouds hanging low against a perfectly blue sky. A slight breeze brings a coolness to a shady spot while the water chops up against the dock. 

Could be on Crystal Lake like when I was six or in Mercer when I was sixteen. Seems like a perfect day though. Hope it is for you, too. 

Happy Father's Day.

Later the clouds turn dark and the wind kicks up. Frothing the lake like soapy water in a blender. The rain pelts down and stings my face but my heart is warm with years of memories. 

I'm loving the north woods and my girls. One by one they call, there isn't much to say they have their life and seem to live it fully. It's nice to hear "Happy Father's Day," but better to hear I love You. I think they mean it. 

Happy's Father's Day. 

Later as evening starts to fall the clouds come out again. I can hear the thunder out to the west and know that it will soon be upon me. 

In a way, life is like that. One moment sunny and warm with cool breezes and gently lapping waves. The next moment is full of ominous clouds and biting rain, sheltered only by the foundation you built and the roof you put over it. 

Happy Father's Day. 

Finally the storm passes too. I won't remember next year what I did today or with whom but the feelings and the impressions will stay. 

I'm fond of saying that we are the sum total of everything we ever did or wished for. I know I didn't do everything I ever wanted to and I still wish for things that will never be. And for the most part I've said too much. I guess that's what makes a life. 

Happy Father's Day.

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The whole exchange was comical. I’m laying there a victim of a slip and fall. My hearing aids are in a box with my glasses. My head is aching and she’s running drills on me about home safety. So, what did I do about it?  I wrote this poem….

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