Image by alex drennan via Flickr
Today at Faith Barista we are talking about Father’s Day.
Bonnie told us to write on the topic
however we chose, just keep it real.
So that is what I am doing….
*****************
Some of us had difficult relationships with our fathers
When we weren’t “daddy’s little girl”
When words were said
and feelings hurt.
And although he was there,
he wasn’t. Not really.
For times he chose others over my sister and me.
Maybe we just didn’t understand each other.
And yet…
I am thankful for the years he provided for his family
and gave routine and predictability to the day.
I do have good memories too.
I wish there had been more.
I wish he had chosen to live.
To see me… and my sister.
To see his grandchildren.
To know and understand that
Fatherhood is important.
I could choose to burden myself with the “Why?” questions
but, the answers would echo cold
in the void, left behind.
Instead, I have chosen forgiveness
As much for me as for him.
To forgive him,
even now, years gone
is my Father’s Day gift
to him
and to myself.
R.I.P
Dad.
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It Just Dawned On Me 
More happy memories would be wonderful. Understanding… my father has dementia now so I don’t suppose there will be any understanding. I am still working on forgiveness. I forgive him today.
I can relate to a difficult relationship with your father. Mine was not there for us, like I would have wanted either. You share some heartfelt thoughts. My Dad and I were able to reconcile our relationship several years before he died and the relationship was a blessing to me. We both gave and received forgiveness and I am grateful to God for providing that opportunity for us. I could not have happened any other way.
Dawn, personally I admire the ways your turn a phrase.
“I could choose to burden myself with the “Why?” questions
but, the answers would echo cold
in the void, left behind.”
This language is beautiful.
Thank you once again for a great blog.