Poem carries loving sentiment for Father's Day



Dear Readers: Happy Father's Day to all the fathers and father-figures around the world. Here's a little poem that was sent to us. We do not know the author, but we thought it expressed a loving sentiment. Enjoy:
What Makes A Dad
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it . . . Dad
Dear Annie: You recently printed a letter from "Feeling Forgotten," whose husband never could remember special occasions.
For seven years, I was married to a man who always came home with gifts and showered me on holidays, but it wasn't enough to make him a good husband. We divorced six years ago, and I have watched this man neglect his duties as a father to our 10-year-old daughter. Meanwhile, I married "Alan." Alan can never remember so much as a card for my birthday, but I wouldn't trade him for the world.
While my ex uses his money to take fancy vacations, my daughter and I know we can count on Alan. He is a perfect daddy in every way. He may not remember holidays, but he never forgets Girl Scout meetings or school functions. I have yet to see him come home with a bundle of roses, but he never fails to hand over his paycheck so we can meet our bills. He is honest, loyal and faithful to me and my daughter. I wouldn't change a thing. Feeling Loved in Kansas
Dear Kansas: What a wonderful tribute to your husband, and how appropriate for him to see it on Father's Day. We're betting it will make his day.
Dear Annie: The National World War II Memorial was recently dedicated in Washington, D.C. Please tell your readers that they can add their loved one's name, whether alive or deceased, to the registry by going online at wwiimemorial.com. I sent information and a picture of my dad, and it makes me so proud to go to the site and see the page on my father.
I would like to say thanks to the veterans of WWII -- and all of our vets. B.
Dear B.: Thank you for mentioning the World War II Memorial and the Registry of Remembrances, an individual listing of Americans who contributed to the war effort. Any U.S. citizen who helped win the war, whether a veteran or someone on the home front, male or female, is eligible for the Registry.
You can register your information at wwiimemorial.com or write to the National World War II Memorial, 2300 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 501, Arlington, Va. 22201. If you know any veterans who do not have access to the Internet, please offer to help enter the information so their memories can be preserved as part of the World War II Memorial.
XE-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@com-cast.net, or write to: Annie's Mailbox™, P.O. Box 118190, Chicago, Ill. 60611.
Creators Syndicate
Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.