This site is dedicated to the memory of our fathers,
Hugh B. Ward & Carl R. Darnall
and
our step-father, Rudolph B. Miller

A father's words are like a thermostat that sets the temperature in the house.

(Paul Lewis)

THE FATHER'S EYES

This teenager lived alone with his father, and the two of them had a very special relationship. Even though the son was always on the bench, his father was always in the stands cheering. He never missed a game. This young man was still the smallest of the class when he entered high school. But his father continued to encourage him but also made it very clear that he did not have to play football if he didn't want to. But the young man loved football and decided to hang in there. He was determined to try his best at every practice, and perhaps he'd get to play when he became a senior. All through high school he never missed a practice nor a game, but remained a bench warmer all four years. His faithful father was always in the stands, always with words of encouragement for him. When the young man went to college, he decided to try out for the football team as a "walk-on". Everyone was sure he could never make the cut, but he did. The coach admitted that he kept him on the roster because he always puts his heart and soul into every practice and, at the same time, provided the other members with the spirit and hustle they badly needed. The news that he had survived the cut thrilled him so much that he rushed to the nearest phone and called his father. His father shared his excitement and was sent season tickets for all the college games. This persistent young athlete never missed practice during his four years at college, but he never got to play in the game. It was the end of his senior football season, and as he trotted onto the practice field shortly before the big play off game, the coach met him with a telegram. The young man read the telegram and became deathly silent. Swallowing hard, he mumbled to the coach, "My father died this morning. Is it all right if I miss practice today?" The coach put his arm gently around his shoulder and said, "Take the rest of the week off, son. And don't even plan to come to the game on Saturday. Saturday arrived, and the game was not going well. In the third quarter, when the team was ten points behind, a silent young man quietly slipped into the empty locker room and put on his football gear. As he ran onto the sidelines, the coach and his players were astounded to see their faithful teammate back so soon. "Coach, please let me play. I've just got to play today," said the young man. The coach pretended not to hear him. There was no way he wanted his worst player in this close playoff game. But the young man persisted, and finally feeling sorry for the kid, the coach gave in. "All right," he said. "You can go in." Before long, the coach, the players and everyone in the stands could not believe their eyes. This little unknown, who had never played before was doing everything right. The opposing team could not stop him, He ran, he passed, blocked and tackled like a star. His team began to triumph. The score was soon tied. In the closing seconds of the game, the kid intercepted a pass and ran all the way for the winning touchdown. The fans broke loose. His teammates hoisted him onto their shoulders. Such cheering you've never heard! Finally, after the stands had emptied and the team had showered and left the locker room, the coach noticed that the young man was sitting quietly in the corner all alone. The coach came to him and said, "Kid, I can't believe it. You were fantastic! Tell me what got into you? How did you do it?" He looked at the coach, with tears in his eyes, and said. "Well, you knew my dad died, but did you know that my dad was blind?' The young man swallowed hard and forced a smile, "Dad came to all my games, but today was the first time he could see me play, and I wanted to show him I could do it!"

(Author unknown)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY FROM A DAUGHTER WHO LOVES YOU SO MUCH

I want you to do
something special for me.

I want you to close your eyes,
just for a quiet moment,
and imagine me sitting here
with a tear of happiness on my cheek
and a smile of love on my face.

Because that's how I'm sure to be
as I think of you on Father's Day.

And maybe if you can see me,
and feel me in your heart,
then we can erase the miles between us
and make this moment
a celebration of the love
that this daughter feels...

for her very precious father.

(Laurel Atherton)

WITH OUR LOVE TO YOU ON FATHER'S DAY

In all the world,
there's no one else like you.
In all the days of the year,
there's no other day
quite like today --
when the love we feel for you
at all times
is honored in a special way.

Today we'll think of you
with extra joy
and gratitude
for all the happiness
you bring to our lives.
There's no one like you --
no one who gives so much
in such a loving way;
no one who creates
the kind of warmth you do
just by your presence.
And no one
loves you more
than we do.

(Jessie Rose Thompson)

A SPECIAL WISH FOR YOU, DAD

Dad ad - a word that means
many different things -
warmth, kindness, understanding,
and above all,
love

The thanks so often
left unsaid,
the love that's seldom told.
The special pride
that's felt for you
as days and years unfold -
All these come with
this poem today
and, Dad, there's something more -
A special wish
that life will bring
the things you're hoping for!

Happy Father's Day!

(Unknown)

INVENTORY OF DADDIES

Daddies have the tools to make
A doghouse or a kite,
Arms to swing you in the air
And hug you very tight.
Lots of games to play with you,
Experiments to try,
Dimes to give the ice-cream man
When he comes whistling by.
Pocketknives and fishing rods,
A funny joke to share,
Hands to help with buttons, and
To fold with yours in prayer.

(Doris Chalma Brock)

"I lOVE YOU, DAD"

What can you say to someone
who has always been one of
the most essential parts of your world;
someone who took you by the hand
when you were little
and helped to show the way?

What do you say to someone
who stood by to help you grow,
providing love, strength, and support
so you could become the person
you are today?

What can you say to let him know
that he's the best there is,
and that you hope you've inherited
some of his wisdom and his strength?

What words would you say
if you ever got the chance?

Maybe you just say
"I love you, Dad..."
and hope he understands.

(Andrew Tawney)

FOR ALL THE TIMES I NEVER SAID, "I LOVE YOU, DAD"

So often it may seem as if I have
taken you for granted, that I never
noticed all that you did for me or the
sacrifices you made for my benefit. But
I did notice.
I may not have said anything at the
time, and I am sure that many times I
really didn't appreciate you. But now
that I have grown up, I realize that
everything you did was because you loved
me and wanted the best for me.
I can see now that doing so much for
me meant giving up a lot for yourself.
As I look around, I see many parents who
take care of themselves first and their
children second. In the eyes of those
children, I can see a hurt that I never
knew. You have given me more than I ever
deserved.
At a time when so many people are
blaming their parents for what is wrong
with them, I want to thank you for all
that is good in me. You instilled it in
me with each hug, scolding,
understanding word, punishment, and
"I love you." I just wanted to tell you
that I am forever grateful, and I love
you very much.

(Michele Weber)

Dad, I Could Never Thank You Enough for All That You Do for Me

A father is someone who
can never be thanked enough
or shown enough appreciation
for all that he does.
Yet I've spent so little time
doing those very things.

My gratitude for you, Dad,
is always right inside my heart,
for I do know that I have
the world's best father.
I just don't seem to bring
my gratitude out into the open
often enough for you to see.
I guess I've always expected you to
just know the way I feel about you.

But maybe I've taken something
for granted --
maybe I assume you know
that every time
I say, "I love you, Dad,"
I'm also saying "Thank you"
from my heart.

(Barbara J. Hall)

MY HERO

As I ponder the love that I saw in his eyes,
A Godly love, given without compromise....
I recall many times that he stood by my side,
And prodded me on with great vigor and pride.
His voice ever confident, firm and yet fair,
Always speaking with patience, tenderness and care.
The power and might of his hands was so sure,
I knew there was nothing we couldn't endure.
It's true, a few others provided insight,
Yet, he laid the foundation that kept me upright.
He's the grandest of men to have lived on this earth,
Although he's not royal by stature or birth.
He's a man of great dignity, honor and strength.
His merits are noble, and of admirable length.
He's far greater than all other men that I know,
He's my Dad, he's my mentor, my friend and hero.

(Debbie Hinton Young)

LESSONS MY FATHER TAUGHT ME

I watched you today, as you watched
your grandchildren, my children- and wondered
how you endured the pain, fear, joy and elation
that transforms us into parents.
I remembered the patience, the laughter, the tears.
Do I have the strength to endure it all?

It is with great anticipation that I take these
baby steps as guardian, guide and parent, filled with
a fear of flying and failing- hoping that I might find
as you have- the child within myself, the magic of youth.
To encourage the spirit and to nurture the imagination
as well as the soul.

I will move slowly, delicately, yet boldly-
armed with the wisdom of your life, your love,
with full awareness of my shortcomings, yet pride
in my strength, thankful that it was you
that brought me to this place, this time, this love.
I watched you today as you watched your grandchildren.

(Monique Wright-Hanna)

AT MY DADDY'S KNEE

At my daddy's knee
I learned defeat at checkers on Sunday afternoons
and I learned percentages and ABC's

At my daddy's side
I learned trout fishing,
the smell of the earth,
and the love of gardening

And holding my daddy's hand
I learned his wisdom,
and his strength
because life is not always simple.

(Laura Elkins)

DAD

Strong and bold and fearless
he always seemed to be,
adrift into a world,
that seemed so far from me,
busy hours passing by
with stolen moments few,
and all the years that passed
I hold on to them, I do.

A little girl can't understand
why her dad's so driven
but a woman can look back
to all the things he's given.

So what seemed to be lost hours
the ones he was away,
she knows now they were gifts,
he worked so she could play.

(Cara Filipeli)

DAD

Many poems have been written to explain,
How a mother's love can soothe the pain.
But little has been said about a Father's concern,
So..now...I think it must be his turn.

A Father's love for his off-spring,
Is just like that of a solid gold ring.
No matter what, it is unending,
Never breaking; though..sometimes bending.

His love is as strong as a mother's; although...
Due to his personality, it sometimes doesn't show.
There is no question of how strong..
Or of its lasting...however long.

So...no matter if his child is good or bad,
There is no Love stronger, than that of a DAD.

(Teena Adkins Egan)

MY DAD

When I was just a tiny kid,
Do you remember when,
The time you kissed my bruises,
Or cleaned my soiled chin?
You scrambled for the balls I hit,
(Short-winded more than not,)
Yet, every time we'd play a game,
You praised the "outs" I caught.
It seems like only yesterday,
You wiped away my tears,
And late at night I called your name,
To chase away my fears.
Though time has changed your handsome grip,
Your hair is snowy white,
You gait's a little slower now,
Thick glasses help your sight.
Oh, do I thirst for years gone by,
To be that growing lad,
Re-living all of the memories,
Of growing with my dad.

(Tracee Anne Beaty)

DADDY'S GIRL

When you were young, pony-tailed,
face full of playful freckles,
were you a daddy's girl?
I was. I still am.
Did you look to him for your security,
for love and attention,
for the understanding, and the patience you lacked
as a child?
My daddy was the center of my small world,
the focus of my affections,
the star that lit my life, shining bright.
Shining still in my heart.
The years have led me here,
weathered with maturity and responsibilities,
and I see more clearly now.
The hardships, burdens of love,
and all the small sacrifices he made for me,
for our family.
He created stability, a place to call home.
All the photographs I browse through
of a child long forgotten, scarcely remembered
smiling, so happy and so loved.
The mere thought of becoming that role model
is enough to send me cowering, afraid...
looking for guidance.
Turning to my father and my more for support,
advice, wise counsel, and for approval.
Grown up, I see differently now...
A new perspective of a man I have always known.
My heart is full, my emotions overpowering
just in the certainty of that bond.
He's been there for me through all the conflicts
helping me over the rough, ragged stones
of growing up.
My respect for him is unending,
faith is unbound, and love is unquestioning.
Even in the midst of all my imperfections, he is lenient,
ignoring the pitfalls, the downfalls, the shortcomings,
he just accepted me as I was, as I am.
The sheer purity of it leaves me awe-struck
and it lifts me up, it holds my head a little higher,
it keeps me in balance,
harmonizing with the world around me
beautifully, like an inspired masterpiece from the soul
of an honest man.
I am honored to know him, to love him, to be of him.
He's my hero, and I am his daughter, his little girl.

(Christine McNamara)

MAY THESE SPECIAL GIFTS COME YOUR WAY

Happiness. Deep down within.
Serenity. With each sunrise.
Success. In each facet of your life.
Close and caring friends.
Love. That never ends.

Special memories. Of all the yesterdays.
A bright today. With much to
be thankful for.
A path. That leads to beautiful tomorrows.

Dreams. That do their best to come true.
And appreciation. Of all the wonderful
things about you.

(Collin McCarty)

The following poems are dedicated to my loving husband of nearly 35 years ..... Happy Father's Day, honey!

TO THE MAN WHO IS EVERYTHING TO ME

In some ways, you're like a father. You're strong, disciplined, diplomatic,
and gentle. You scold and correct me sometimes, and I don't
like that. But you're wise, and you almost always know what's best
to do.

In some ways, you're like the perfect brother. You come to my rescue and
counsel me; you help me and encourage me in areas I'm confused about. I know
you'll tell me the truth, and you'll help me look at alternatives I might not
otherwise think were available.

In some ways, you're my best friend because you see all the ways I am and
still understand and forgive me. Before I'm "retouched" for the world, before
makeup smooths over the way I look, you see me in my nakedness:
the way I act, the things I say and do, and you don't walk out
or insist that I be perfect. You know my strengths and weaknesses,
and you accept me just the way I am.

You're everything to me. I really couldn't imagine not being with you, and I
wouldn't want to be anywhere without you. When I'm pressed to the limit and
life hands me another surprise, it's your love that puts our lives, and
our
relationship, back into order again.

You're my partner, my companion, the love of my life, and I'm so glad we're
together. There's nothing quite like the comfort and security of turning
out the lights at night and falling asleep in your arms. Thank you for
understanding me. Thank you for living with me. Thank you for your forgiving heart. Thank you for being everything to me. I can't imagine life
without you here with me, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere without you.

(Donna Fargo)

TO MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND

I Love You
Sometimes I worry about you
You don't relax enough
You work so hard
There is so much for you to do

Sometimes I worry about you
You don't realize how much
you are appreciated
or how much you give of yourself to others
or what a wonderful husband you are to me
and what a perfect father
you are to our children

Other times I am thankful
for the way you are
as I realize it is the
only way you could be

But at all times I want you to know
that I respect you so greatly
and I thank you for
being the best man in the world
in every way
I love you

(Susan Polis Schutz)

THE ORIGIN OF FATHER'S DAY

The idea for creating a day for children to honor their fathers began in Spokane, Washington. A woman by the name of either Sonora Smart Dodd or Louise Smart Dodd, thought of the idea for Father's Day while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart, a Civil War Veteran. After her mother died while giving birth to her sixth child, her father raised her and the other five children. After Mrs. Dodd became an adult she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent. He was a courageous man in the eyes of Mrs. Dodd. In appreciation of her father's dedication to their family , she set out to honor all fathers. In 1926, a National Father's Day Committee was formed in New York City. It was not until 1972 that President Richard Nixon established a permanent National observance of Father's Day, which is held on the third Sunday in June. Father's Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are also to be honored on Father's Day.

Father's Day Graphics

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