I wish my dad had pushed me on the swing.

I wish he had taken the time to kick the soccer ball with me.

I wish he had hugged and kissed me.

I wish he had been there to protect me from abuse.

I wish my dad had been there when I received the prizes.

I wish he had been there at the soccer games to see me score a goal.

I would have felt supported had shown up at the orchestra performance.

I would have felt loved had he cheered me at the track and field competitions.

I wish he had been there help me do my homework.

I wish he had not thrown my clothes outside.

I wish he had not said some nasty things to me and my siblings.

I wish daddy had gone to church with me.

I wish he knew the pain I felt then, and the scars I carry now.

He was not perfect, I understand.  But he could have been better.

I wish he had given his life to Jesus.

I wish he had learned to be a father.

I wish he had kicked the smoking habit, and given up the alcohol.

Now the ball is in my court.

Though the memories hurt, I forgive him.

I can show him what he could have been.

I can be a father to my children.

I can be, to my children, all that I expected in my father.

Now the ball is in my court, to MAN UP, and me the FATHER God wants me to be.

Happy Father’s Day?