It's getting close to Father's Day and this is a time when I really miss my dad. What a man, teacher, artist and shaman he was!!
My Dad the Texan
by Susan K. de Vegter
Wednesday, January 08, 2003
My father was born in Texas and he always walked the walk
The grander things that bought a smile the accent when he talked
He was so tall that when he stood the clouds would part the sky
Then when he walked his bowlegged steps would cause the earth to sigh
His greatness came from giving in a most rewarding style
He gave his heart and anything for the big grin of a child
His Texas ways made him the man...his kids cherished most
The greatest man of all my time was humble...didn't boast
Nor brag for he was confident in the greater love for hearts
His was given many times to those of needy parts
His heart was richer with each gift that came to those in need
My dad the Texan, tall and lean was good at giving deeds
Scouts and kids and anyone who needed what he had
They got it first from this great man...My Texan...yep...my dad
The tallest tree that held a cat...he could get it down
He could match most any tear in smiles pound for pound
He drew a cap gun...played the draw and fell upon the dirt
When High Noon came for broomstick riders and their funny quirks
He painted faces...made the forts and fancied up the youth
For Tonto and the Roys of years he captured all the truth
Imagination was his key to making laughter sound
Like matchbox cars and boxed in stars...a penny for each pound
This Texas man of Hi-Ho fame and lean sharp witted grins
This man...my dad with all the kids...my siblings and our friends
He is loved for all he did...his genius was divine
He wears his halo like a hat and shines...oh yes...he shines
That smile of his is in the sun...his words are in each breeze
His kiss the whispered silence in the lullaby in trees
He sings the creatures all to sleep...he tickles all their toes
Then when the loudest storm is passed he paints the great rainbows
He is missed but he still lives on in all that he helped birth
This Texan still donates his time to beauty here on earth
Parents who give their children Love, do bless more than just their offspring alone. Through Love - the greatest power in the universes - we gain immortality. Through the immortal ones Love is spread throughout space and time.
I lost my Dad nearly a year ago...June 27th, 2005. His loss still hurts me tremendously. I've been working on a tribute for him which I hope to post tomorrow. I'm sure they see what we do, smile at what we say, and are grateful for the impact they had in our lives. So often, we kids forgot to tell them that they did a pretty good job! This is a lovely piece Susan. Michelle
Reviewed by Andy Turner (Reader)
Reviewed on June 16, 2006
Understand you. Great tribute. In my years of working in the states, and living, from N Y. South Dakota, Alabama, Tennesse, ect, no where but no where is better than Texas, The people are so friendly and happy, and were a joy to work with on the base. Plus I've never seen so many pretty women in one city.... LOL at Jerry, I did see six flags in Dallas and billybubs...
Reviewed by Jerry Bolton (Reader)
Reviewed on June 16, 2006
Wonderful song about a Texan of full stature. You poem makes me think of the big Texan outside the Dallas Fairgrounds, that is if he is still there. Wonderful.
Wot?? Your Mum TAMED John Wayne??!! This is gorgeously beautiful and reminds me of the special bond that exists between Daddies and their girls... Huc-hum.. hate to say it, but THAT'S why it appears you have your healthy sexual drive all sorted... girls get their "approval" from their Dads in their formative years, and THAT's what makes a girl build strong ego-relational foundations. I can see it between my own husband and daughter and it is an absolute JOY to witness. OK, psychology apart, this is adorable. I can still hear the "doting little girl" voice notwithstanding the years. Wish I could write the same... wish I had a Dad that I knew over and above the mental illness and alcohol... Don't mean to sound peevish here. I am GLAD that others have had fathers who have been the complete role model in the ways that you articulate here. And Texans MUST be the best, to my limited Brit thinkin... Ignore this if it is out of turn, but it's not meant to be. Just thinkin aloud... you know me! :)) LOL Kate xx
Susan
Your ardent love and respect for your beloved dad has inspired another magnificent pen from you..
Your dad is revelling now in the great Corral in the Sky...:)
Peter
This is such a perfect tribute to an obviously well loved and well respected father. He must have been a great man to produce such a great lady as yourself and yes this legacy is a beauty that lives on.
Susan, My Love -= I take back all the things I've said about Texans. From this day forth, I shall think of each, as Susan's Dad. Before long, every man in the state will be better for that.
Your crafted words brought a big tear in each eye. It felt good.
- Bill
(Richard M. Feldman) Ever since I was a young boy, the only thing I wanted to be was a cowboy. I wanted to own and work on a real ranch, with cattle and horses. Especially horses.
While I never became a cowboy, considering everything I have done
TRUE STORY. Bella survived an abusive powerbroker father with organized crime ties, a drug-addicted mother and a physically/sexually abusive brother. Shocking & inspirational. When she couldn't cry, she tattooed a crying angel to cry for her.
She never felt safe at home as a young girl, and didn't understand why when she finally escaped she wasn't safe in the big wide world either ...effectively jumping out of the frying pan into the fire!
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Ron
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
RAge
A special tribute to a special father. Well done.
B&R
Great tribute write Susan!!
Love Tinka
I admire you Susan for being able to feel this and express it with so much love!
Richard
Your ardent love and respect for your beloved dad has inspired another magnificent pen from you..
Your dad is revelling now in the great Corral in the Sky...:)
Peter
fee
Regis
Your crafted words brought a big tear in each eye. It felt good.
- Bill