The following poem has been taped to my dad’s desk for as long as I can remember. Now that I’m the mom of boys (and the wife of a man who is a very good dad to boys), it’s especially meaningful to me. I can’t get all the way through it without a lump in my throat.
A few years ago, I made a copy for my husband, and now it sits framed on his desk, too. I don’t know who the author is, unfortunately (if you know, please tell me), but I thought you might like to see it:
There are certain dreams I’d cherish that I’d like to see come true.
There are things I would accomplish ere my working time is through.
But the task my heart is set on is to guide a little lad–
To make myself successful as that little fellow’s dad.
It’s the one job that I dream of; it’s the task I think of most.
For if I fail that little fellow, I have nothing else to boast.
For the wealth and fame I’d gather, all my fortune would be sad,
If I fail to be successful as that little fellow’s dad.
I may never be as clever as my neighbor down the street.
I may never be as wealthy as some other men I meet.
But if he who follows after shall be manly, I’ll be glad,
For I’ll know I’ve been successful as that little fellow’s dad.
If you’re as taken with this poem as I’ve always been, and you’d like a copy, I made a JPEG of it, sized to fit in a 5×7 mat or frame. Feel free to grab it here (if this works; not sure if it will):
Ooh, thank you. The JPEG worked great and it’s very beautiful too.
You’re awesome!
Thank you so much for sharing that. It turned out great! That is such a sweet poem. I praise the Lord for my hubby – a wonderful Dad.
That is a wonderful poem.
I tried to find an author for you since I love to try to find the unknown online. The first two stanzas are taken exactly from a poem called A Little Fellows Dad by David Buttram. You can find it at this link http://www.breadonthewaters.com/0142_Christian_poetry.html
I only found it once written exactly as yours is and it said author unknown.
It is a great poem, thanks for sharing!
aww that is so sweet. 🙂
we’re expecting our first little fellow in the middle of january. my husband is so excited to be a dad — and he’ll be a great one.
thanks for sharing this.
The sweetest thought is one day YOUR boys will have this taped to their desks….:)
Very sweet and true.
Thinking I’m gonna tweak that (“that little fellow’s dad” to “these little Vikings’ dad”) and save it for next June!
You know, I don’t know if it’s your subject matter, or the fact that my pregnancy hormones are keeping me from thinking straight, but your last three posts have left me in tears (yes, even the squishy post). Thanks. 🙂
Thank you for sharing that with us!
Oh! Thanks for sharing this one – great poem!
That is beautiful!
Love this–gonna have to print this up!
Thanks-
Blessings!
Oh Shannon.. This is so timely! Tomorrow’s my husband’s birthday and my son and I were going to get busy making him birthday cards as our art project tomorrow. I think this will be the entry in Daddy’s card. So lovely! Thanks for sharing!
~Les
I just love this. Love it, love it, love it. Got three little lads and a fantastic one raising them, and this will be perfect for his birthday next week.
Thanks, Shannon.
Im trying to have a baby and my husband has had an abusive father….my own father has been a wonderful role model of a how a real Christian father should be and i am so wanting my husband to be a good father…
such a nice poem. I always remind myself that at the end of you my life I’ll never say, “I wish I had worked more or made more money.” This helps me to staye focused on what’s important.
Thanks for sharing the file. It is going to become a Christmas present now! Thanks.
So sweet of you to share. Thank you.
Love this..how true it is!
-sandy toes
Thank you for reminding me how blessed I am to have such an amazing husband. He loves God, me and our children tremendously.
Thanks for sharing a great poem! I am going to give it to my husband.
This is so sweet. We’ve got four little (big) boys…I think this would be great for my husband. Thank you.
The lump in my throat is huge. My little ones are at this moment, painting birdhouses for their Daddy’s birthday. I know he would love this poem to go along with them. Thank you so much.
I made a framed copy of this for my hubby probably 22 or 23 years ago. It was always in his office as one of his favorite pieces. I think the author may be Gloria Gaither. At least that is where I got it years ago.
What perfect timing! After a hectic week ending in oral surgery for my son, my husband’s birthday snuck up on me today. You (and our God, who orchestrates all things) have tears in my eyes.
this was very sweet