My dad is now 91 years of age and has been in aged care for three years. I started writing this poem in 2018 when dad went to live in an aged care home and finished it for this Father’s Day 2021. Over the past few years, I have watched him fight to hold on to his independence and full facilities up until the moment he had to let go of each one like, driving a car, going fishing, riding his motorcycle, his hobby of woodturning, fixing shoes and glueing up broken things around the house. These last two years, in the troubled world of Covid, has disturbed him and caused him many lonely days in aged care lockdowns, not able to be with his second wife, whom he met and married when he was 75 years of age. It’s hard watching your dad grow old from having once been such an independent, healthy and active person. But, my dad is amazing how he has grown old gracefully and peacefully. Beverley Joy.
Dear dad…
Faithfully you have prayed every day
For your children and their families
Every day you read God’s Word
With a desire to know and obey Him.
You have faithfully clung to God
Through good times and bad
And humbly have sought
His mercy and grace.
Now that you are old and frail
Please, don’t concern yourself
With the current problems of the world
Dwell on God’s love, rest in His peace.
No more work, or driving a car
Life is simple now, focused on your health
Your eyes have dimmed and your legs are weak
You need help to hear and tablets to sleep.
Yet, your spirit is strong, your love does not sleep
Your trust in God has not dimmed
Though reading is difficult, you persist
To read your Bible for spiritual health.
You still give us the gift of love
Through warm smiles and bear hugs
The aged care staff love your gentle way
How you thank them for the care they gave.
I love you, Dad, you’ve been my rock
Constant, reliable, forgiving and fun
You gave us the best years of your life
Your money, time, wisdom and faith.
May God bless you dad, this Father’s Day.
Beverley Joy © 2021 of Simply Story Poetry
You may also like to listen to or read my poem Dad, You Are A Gentleman
Photo: Dad and myself dig for worm bait before going fishing. Woody Point, Queensland, Australia.
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