Alex

In honor of my father, who turns 56 today...

I am a child of God.

I am also the father of four,
The grandfather of eleven,
Wanda's husband for thirty-five years,
A retired Lieutenant Colonel,
A teacher, and an engineer.
 
I am the voice that leads in prayer
The awed whisper in honor of my Creator
As my children count the seconds 'til the "Amen"
The tempting aromas of scrumptious food
Too much for them to ignore
 
I am the maker of barbie houses and play forts,
Paper airplanes and cucumber boats
I am the air mattress blower-upper,
The tent setter-upper, and the hook baiter
I am the cable ride pusher

I am the homework helper, the computer fixer,

The packer, the mover, and the carrier.
I am the one who gives teens a chance to explain,
And the first call for a twenty-something
With a hardware problem
 
I am the one who kisses my wife
As soon as I get home each night
I was the one who called from Korea
When we were apart for those twelve long months
My "Honey-Do List" may never get done
But that's only because we keep adding to it
And I don't put the chores ahead of my family
 
I've been proud to serve our country
I've led and disciplined
I've taught and I've encouraged
But that's not all that I have been
I have followed orders,
I have been inspired
I have been the learner
Who made time to study after work
 
I've been the disciple,
Chosen to follow Christ,
Submitting my allegiance to the King
But whatever choices I have made:
I've been loved the whole long way
I am a child of God