February 3, 2011
My Best Friend: Beloved Dad
Remembering all the good times had
With my best friend: Beloved Dad
The day he taught me how to swim
The trampoline at Southport gym
Driving off to Wichita
For the one man show I’m proud he saw
The Cadillac he gave to me
The tree house in the Walnut tree
My life, my body and my name
All from Dad these blessings came
All the money, all the gifts
Priceless pep talks
Lifetime lifts
Always there when times were hard
Made them good in his back yard
His clown dives could wow a crowd
High on platforms he stands proud
With two firm hands and one soft voice
He showed me how our life’s a choice
And when I made mine known he cried
But backed me up and took my side
I owe eternal gratitude
For his famous speech on attitude
As swimming seasons came and went
He’d chant, “It’s ninety-nine percent!”
Never mind the bitter cold
We all swam like we were told
So many values that I learned
Were imparted, then were earned
He handed down his handsome looks
And taught me things not found in books
Like why one seeks the middle ground
By his example it’s been found
No better friend could I have had
Than my best friend: Beloved Dad
One more thing I’ve got to say
Have one more Happy Birthday!
With love always,
Your oldest son, David
