Sunday, June 19, 2016

To All Long Distance Parents, This One is for You

I am writing this poem for my husband.  I feel that there is no one in this world who could describe his feelings toward our children more than I do -- how he loves to grow up with them physically and be present in all of their activities.  But then, there are responsibilities which are bigger than his desires.  The following is a list of our personal experiences -- those that he missed and what our children are missing.




To all the long distance fathers, and mothers as well, I salute you for your selflessness. Know that you are not alone in your pains for all the missed milestones, events and life's precious moments. I grew up with a long distance father, too. As a child, I thank you for working hard and providing for our family. As a wife, I admire your strength and determination to secure our future. I thank God for you.







Sacrifices of a Long Distance Parent
                      - hdib

Not being there when you open your eyes
To thank the Lord and awe with sunrise
Not being there for your morning kisses
For missing breakfast and your childhood wishes

Not being able to be silly with you
*To have tea parties and bathe Barbie, too
**To ride a bike and play ballgames, too
Not being able to run after you
Or simply just lie down for an hour or two

Not being able to hug you during vaccines
Or make faces with you when you take your medicines
Not being there when you first scraped your knees
And not being able to catch you when you fall of trees

Not being able to hug you tight
And not being able to kiss you goodnight
Not being able to protect you from your fears
And not being able to dry up those tears

All these and more I painstakingly endure
Because I love you, my child and I need to secure your bright future.

*with daughters
**with sons