One of my students approached me saying that her dad was out of town for a week. She was sad knowing she would miss him. A friend put her arm around her and said, "You can come to my house and call my dad your dad." The week continued and I'm sure she missed her dad in those moments that she was used to having him around. I am also sure the reunion will be a sweet one.
During class this week I asked my parent volunteers to come in and share something special with the class. The parents are a mixture of moms and dads. One dad entered the classroom, and as always many of the kids' eyes lit up, for they have a special spot for this dad. He commanded the class with style and grace and in his usual fashion throughout the year; he provided an atmosphere conducive to group cohesiveness.
Dads are special people.
My father's 81st birthday is fast approaching. He lives by himself in an assisted living home, battling dementia, trying to remember where his late wife and daughter are...often calling me to inquire of them. I have to remind him of the present day, his present situation, and that they are no longer with us. He remembers after our conversation. Many times when we part ways I experience the same memory of him from my childhood...I think about how I used to climb up to curl up on his lap with my ear against his chest, listening to him breath and talk. It lulled me to sleep every time.
I also remember one story he tells of his father. As a teenager in the 1940's he was walking home from high school, crossing the same bridge as he had always done for years. His brother approached him saying that their father had died. My father stood on the bridge, wishing he could go back from whence he came. He did, however, have to cross the bridge and face the reality on the other side.
I don't think my father ever really got over that bridge.
Fathers are special people.
I've worked closely with children for 18 years now. I have seen many relationships between child and father...no two are alike. One common thread however is the love that exists between them no matter what has transpired in their lives. It is unlike any other love; protective yet gentle, demanding yet kind, wise but free spirited.
A Father's Love.
My job as a teacher and as the Director of PR & Finances of Mama Bracelets helps support my family. Through both I have gained unique insights into family dynamics, an in-depth look at the precious relationship that exists between parent and child. As Father's Day approaches I realize that the strength of a Father's Love can never be broken, for we will not allow it.
By the time Father's Day comes, school will be out. My Friday Reflections will be dormant until Fall. My time will be spent being the best father I can be to my three beautiful children...time well spent with enduring love.
I am in the midst of preparing a Father's Day campaign for Mama Bracelets and among the many plans I have for the campaign, I have written a poem to express my thoughts of fatherhood. I will share it with you now since our paths may not cross before June 19, 2011.
I hope that you like it.
A Father's Love
Attentive always to your many needs~
Feeling proud to call you his own~
Asking only to see your very best~
Tireless in his adoration of all his children~
Holding you close to the warmth of his heart~
Enjoying you daily throughout his life~
Reaching out when pain fills your heart~
Singing lullabyes when fear grips you in the night~
Living his life with you on his mind~
Opening his heart to let all in~
Visions of you motivate his actions~
Enjoying the pleasures that you and fatherhood offer~
Mr. Casten
May 20, 2011
Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten
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