Happy Father's Day, wherever you are.....

Today is Father's Day and all around the country there are families settling down to spoil their special man.  I know you will all spare a thought for those who can't be with their special Dad today for one of so many reasons tied to the service of our country. 

If you are able to be with your special man then maybe give him an extra hug.

This is for all the Dads who have watched their sons and daughters head off on deployments, who are missing them today and waiting for them to return home safely. 

I'm proud alright!

I have loved you your whole life long 

And watched you grow up healthy and strong

We made it through those early years 

There was sometimes laughter, sometimes tears

But a parent loves you anyway, 

And in my heart you'll always stay

I was proud of you when you chose to serve

And wondered if I'd have the nerve

To see you struggle, the course was tough

But your strength of character was more than enough

I was there when you had finished your course

Now a brand new member of your chosen force

More training came, your specialization

And soon I was hit with the realization

My child now had a duty to do

I don't think I've ever been so proud of you

Your first posting came, it was far away

But you stayed in contact in a regular way

I soon learned that you had gained new kin

Those that served with you through thick and thin

It was a cherished gift to see you grow

Just how proud I was I hope you know

When deployment came you were so excited

"The real deal" you said, you were so delighted

I looked at you and couldn't help feel

Your service would indeed get real

The big day came after months of prep

And we were there as you took that step

One last hug, I held you too tight

"Don't worry" you said, "I'll be alright"

"I hope so" I thought but I said out loud

"Go do your job, you will make us so proud!"

And then you were gone, you were on that plane

Now the pride was mixed with an aching pain

It wasn't easy to adjust at first

Every call that came I feared the worst

But gradually I settled down

And more smiles replaced the constant frown

I busied myself sending boxes and letter

"Minties were great" you said "but TimTams were better"

I never told you of all my fears 

And those frequent nights that ended in tears

I only told you I was proud of you

That this is what you had chosen to do

Days turned to weeks, then the months slipped by

There was just one date in my mind's eye

I won't say that time flew, it did not go fast

But eventually the big day was here at last

We waited with everyone else in the throng

We'd got there so early, the hours seemed so long 

At last, wide and open, they swung the doors

One by one you filed out to applause

When I saw you I grinned and you back at me

I didn't care the tears flowed for all to see

That hug was the one I had dreamed of at night

"I told you", you said "that I'd be alright!"

JMB 15 Feb 15