Happy Father's Day!

* Precious Memories *

Dad,

Yesterday I leafted through my old photo album...

There were mostly black and white photos.

Was this a nostalgic moment or just an attempt

To put some order to my memories?

A little of each I think.

Dad,

I saw you once again as a strong young man,

While I slept in the crook of your arm.

I saw you dressed in your Sunday best

As you tried to teach me how to hit a ball.

Dad,

I saw you again at the wheel of your new car,

Mom sat beside you, beaming with pride.

I saw you also, a glass in your hand

Making a toast at a family picnic.

Then I closed the album

And as I closed my eyes

I saw the relentless marks of time

On your face.

These marks, these fine lines

Are proof that years have passed

But they are also the visible signs

That your entire life was devoted to us.

Dad,

For this gift of yourself,

For your discrete and reassuring presence,

For your thoughtful

and precious words of advice,

For all of this, I thank God.

Happy Father's Day!

Ghislaine Salvail, s.j.s.h.

Translated by Honore Kerwin Borrelli