Fathers are special people
with a special kind of love
that includes a hug,
A hug when we're hurt
A hug when we're sad
A hug when we're injured
A hug when we're glad
A hug when we're crying
A hug when we're sighing
A hug when we're lonely
or a hug just because!

A love that includes pride when we do well
Disappointment for us when or if we fail
Punishment to teach us right from wrong
Saying no at the right time and remaining strong

Love includes anger when we don't do our chores
Worry when we're sick, and he paces the floor
Frustration when the we let our car run out of gas
Pleasure when we say "I Love You Dad"!

A father takes us fishing and worms he does put
(for those who are squeamish) at the end of the hook
He helps his son pick a suit for the prom
and beams with pride at the way he's grown

He's overjoyed when the yard he sees raked
He gets grey hairs when the car we take
He pays not attention to the dating game
Unless its a daughter, then the shotgun he aims

He pays for our schooling
He pays for our food
He pays for the doctor
And our braces too

Do we ever say "Thanks Dad",
or just expect him to pay
for the clothes on our back
for the fad of the day

He beams with pride as the grandchild arrives
He passes out cigars to all the guys
He bounces the babies on his knee
Until dry diapers they do need

He never interferes by giving advice
But he's there for us just in case.
He's growing older all the while
He prays he'11 never be a burden to his child

But if that day should ever come
I hope that I can be as strong
and reverse the role that he played for me
and show him the love that he gave so free.

I dedicate this poem to my Dad, Cecil R. Douglass
Thanks Dad for all you've done for me!
I love you Dad!!