Thank You Dad
Thanks For Always Believing In Me
Dedicated To My Dad
I still remember the first time I read that poem by William Henley. I remember sitting by that bridge in Iraq, rubbing my finger over your name as I stared out over the turret shield into the distant desert background.
As I began to read the poem, your handwriting seemed so familiar and I began to feel that much closer to home. This is the handwriting that has been crafted over decades, the handwriting that I had seen on papers on your desk, the handwriting that was on every birthday card, the handwriting that had raised me to this point so far.
Invictus - by William Ernest HenleyOut of the night that covers meBlack as a pit from pole to pole,I thank whatever gods may beFor my unconquerable soul.In the fell clutch of circumstanceI have not winced or cried aloud.Under the bludgeonings of chanceMy head is bloody, but unbowed.Beyond this place of wrath and tearsLooms but the horror of the shade,And yet the menace of the yearsFinds and shall find me unafraid.It matters not how strait the gate,How charged with punishments the scroll.I am the master of my fate:I am the captain of my soul.
As I folded up the letter from you and placed it in my wallet, the gravity of its significance began to grow. Over the years, as I revisited it time and time again, I realized that it was a sentiment that only my father could have given me.
I have been in that black pit dad, and I have thanked god for letting me have you to strengthen my soul.
I have been challenged dad, my head bloody, but you were always there with me to keep it unbowed.
I have often wondered about the afterlife dad, but you were always there to prepare me to be unafraid.
We both know that the path I have taken has not been straight and I have made many mistakes along the way, but you were always there to help guide the way.
It is because of your example that I know that I am the master of my fate.
It is because of you that I know I am the captain of my soul.
It is amazing to me how perfectly you could have spoken to me at that time in my life but the older I get, the more I see yourself in me.
All I want is to make you proud dad, to be the type of man that you have seemed so effortlessly to be. A man of honesty and integrity.A man of patience and stability. A friend and the way you have been a father to me.
Whatever does loom in the horrors of the shade, I know that I will be ready because I will always have you with me.
My Father, Larry, the M.D.
Copyright © 2012 Hunter Mitchell - U.S.M.C. 2005-2009
Hunter Mitchell served our country as a United States Marine from 2005-2009. He is now attending college and anticipates graduating with the Class of 2013 with a Criminal Justice/Homeland Security Major, Accounting/Business Law Minor, from Middle Tennessee State University.
Sometimes a person so touches your life that you can't even imagine what you would have done without them. Below are the heart-felt sentiments of a son to his dad. How lucky they both are to be given the opportunity to impact each other's life in such a positive way.
Here's to you Hunter and to your dad, Larry. May you continue to be blessed each day!
Love, Marlene
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Be sure to read Hunter's other Inspirational Articles:
Keep Your Head UpA Son's Love