My Father

Short Stories and Poetry

In Memory of My Father

Woodrow Arthur Doles

Father's Day has rolled around again and I wanted to let you know that you're on my mind. Not a day goes by that I don't talk to you, especially when I take the time to unwind.

I tell you about the children; how they've grown up and all of the great things they do. I point out all the things that I see in them that remind me so much of you.

I tell you about mother and how far her mind has drifted away from reality. I even tell you about current events but I always seem to forget what's going on with me.

Maybe it's because I want you to be proud of me and what I do with my life these days. I often feel as though I've let you down in many ways.

I'm still here in the mountains just plugging along one day at a time, you see. I haven't lived out the dreams or the plans you had for me.

We used to talk for hours, you made me feel like I could do anything I dared to dream about. I keep trying, I really do, my plans just never seem to work out.

This last year has been a hard one, dad, as I've lost so many dear friends. I cry when I think they might be in heaven with you and I wonder if I'll see you all again.

I guess it's time to go now, but I couldn't let the day pass without the chance to say,

I wish you were here with me for just one more Father's Day.

Love to you, always,

My Father

We sat there together,

Alike and yet so far apart.

I always had a hard time,

Showing the emotions in my heart.

So many things in common,

But the words so hard to find.

Somehow you think that loved ones,

Should be able to read your mind.

Happy memories that he gave me,

So many times he dried my tears.

Had I really done my best,

To show my love for him through the years?

Knowing that he's gone,

Still eats at me like a disease.

I know we had our ups and downs,

But it was him that I wanted to please.

I touched his shoulder gently,

He looked at me and then looked away.

I had no way of knowing then,

It would be his final day.

Now I think about the yesterdays,

When I was the sparkle in his eyes.

There was no need for spoken words,

It's something I've come to realize.

He showed his love by taking care of me,

Trying to shield me from any pain.

Sometimes when the days are long now,

I return to my childhood where he's smiling again.

Fifteen years ago today,

You closed your eyes and slipped away.

I held your hand but I didn't cry,

I softly whispered my "Good-bye."

You always told me to be strong,

To hide my tears from everyone.

To keep my loved ones very near,

That death was nothing I should fear.

Today I let the teardrops freely flow,

And I just had to let you know.

Your memory is always here with me,

Just the way you said it would be.

In my heart you are not gone,

You've been here with me all along.

Your time has come and mine will too,

And once again I'll talk with you.

Written with love and respect,

Dianna Doles Petry

©2004

Please sign my guest book before you leave!

All material used on these pages is the sole property of Dianna Doles Petry. All written material has been copyrighted by the author, Dianna Doles Petry, unless otherwise stated. None of the poetry, short stories or graphics should be copied or used without the author's consent.

All graphics used on this site have been credited to the artist or have been created expressly for use on this site. Please do not remove any of the graphics without prior consent from the owner of the website.

Dianna Doles Petry


				*Short Stories and Poetry* *My Father*



	Home \| Poetry \| Short Stories \| Wedding \| In Memory of Kyle \| Meet Chris \| Awards \| Awards II \| Doles Family \| Doles Family II \| My Grandparents \| WWAUS Dedication \| In Memory of Friends \| My Father \| My Mother \| Remembering Jack \| The Trucker \| Claudia's Dedication \| Banners \| A Family Album \| Memorial Day


		In Memory of My Father Woodrow Arthur Doles 1918 - 1989 Dear Dad, Father's Day has rolled around again and I wanted to let you know that you're on my mind. Not a day goes by that I don't talk to you, especially when I take the time to unwind. I tell you about the children; how they've grown up and all of the great things they do. I point out all the things that I see in them that remind me so much of you. I tell you about mother and how far her mind has drifted away from reality. I even tell you about current events but I always seem to forget what's going on with me. Maybe it's because I want you to be proud of me and what I do with my life these days. I often feel as though I've let you down in many ways. I'm still here in the mountains just plugging along one day at a time, you see. I haven't lived out the dreams or the plans you had for me. We used to talk for hours, you made me feel like I could do anything I dared to dream about. I keep trying, I really do, my plans just never seem to work out. This last year has been a hard one, dad, as I've lost so many dear friends. I cry when I think they might be in heaven with you and I wonder if I'll see you all again. I guess it's time to go now, but I couldn't let the day pass without the chance to say, I wish you were here with me for just one more Father's Day. Love to you, always, Dianna June 19, 2005 My Father We sat there together, Alike and yet so far apart. I always had a hard time, Showing the emotions in my heart. So many things in common, But the words so hard to find. Somehow you think that loved ones, Should be able to read your mind. Happy memories that he gave me, So many times he dried my tears. Had I really done my best, To show my love for him through the years? Knowing that he's gone, Still eats at me like a disease. I know we had our ups and downs, But it was him that I wanted to please. I touched his shoulder gently, He looked at me and then looked away. I had no way of knowing then, It would be his final day. Now I think about the yesterdays, When I was the sparkle in his eyes. There was no need for spoken words, It's something I've come to realize. He showed his love by taking care of me, Trying to shield me from any pain. Sometimes when the days are long now, I return to my childhood where he's smiling again. Fifteen years ago today, You closed your eyes and slipped away. I held your hand but I didn't cry, I softly whispered my "Good-bye." You always told me to be strong, To hide my tears from everyone. To keep my loved ones very near, That death was nothing I should fear. Today I let the teardrops freely flow, And I just had to let you know. Your memory is always here with me, Just the way you said it would be. In my heart you are not gone, You've been here with me all along. Your time has come and mine will too, And once again I'll talk with you. Written with love and respect, Dianna Doles Petry ©2004







		View My Guestbook Sign My Guestbook Please sign my guest book before you leave! All material used on these pages is the sole property of Dianna Doles Petry. All written material has been copyrighted by the author, Dianna Doles Petry, unless otherwise stated. None of the poetry, short stories or graphics should be copied or used without the author's consent. All graphics used on this site have been credited to the artist or have been created expressly for use on this site. Please do not remove any of the graphics without prior consent from the owner of the website. Dianna Doles Petry 2008