DADDY'S HANDS
I remember daddy's hands folded silently in prayer
And reachin' out to hold me, when I had a nightmare
You could read quite a story in the callous' and lines
Years of work and worry had left their mark behind I remember daddy's hands how they held my mama tight
And patted my back for something done right
There are things that I'd forgotten that I loved about the man
But I'll always remember the love in daddy's hands Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin'
Daddy's hands were hard as steel when I'd done wrong
Daddy's hands weren't always gentle but I've come to understand
There was always love in daddy's hands. I remember daddy's hands workin' 'til they bled
Sacrifised unselfishly just to keep us all fed
If I could do things over, I'd live my life again
And never take for granted the love in daddy's hands
By Singer, Holly Dunn
A RENEWABLE SOURCE
Father's are a renewable source of memories. A source that fills us with a complex array of gratitude, sadness, disappointment, and awe. It is the same for all men, for there's no escaping these memories. They are deeply imbedded in us, and they impact us every day of our lives.
And whether you're trying to live up to your father's expectations, prove him wrong, or rid your memory of him, the memories of your father are eternal. Each memory demands its' own cost. And the more often you tap into your father's energy you will keep his memories closer to you.
As you age the memories of your father grow stronger. The wounds that haven't healed are poised to live on, in you and eventually your children. We all carry wounds from our father. We all feel the pain of not "measuring up" in some way. But whatever your wounds, it's important to remember this: What is not healed in you will show up in your children. It will show up no matter how hard you fight against it, and no matter how hard you try "not to be your father." It will show up, and transcend all your efforts to prevent it.
What's left to us is a simple choice. Would we like to live with these wounds, and transfer them to our sons and daughters, or would we like to explore them, and find a way to heal them? To truly understand the power of the memories is to watch the effects they have on others as you convey them. These memories can be triggered by the wounds from your childhood, or they can be triggered by forgiveness and love. And while the path to forgiveness can be difficult, it's worth every ounce of effort you give it. And most importantly, it is a gift to yourself, and the generations that follow you.
ILU
Three simple words can often be so hard. I know I didn't say these words to my Dad no where near enough. This didn't mean I was devoid of the emotion that this simple phrase conjours. On the contrary, for me action has always been more important than words. Action was the fuel that drove every memory of my father. Emotion drove the spark that ignited reaction. And so the cycle continued.
The problem begins when the fuel begins to thin, causing the mighty cogs to stall. Eventually the mighty engine stops. All because the fuel used wasn't rich enough in
"I Love You".
Please remember to tell your dad, that you love him everyday.
I miss you Dad,
Kendall
