A child’s bond with their father is a sacred thing, at least for most children and their fathers. However, there are children who don’t have fathers or whose fathers have died. When occasions come up that typically require a father, these children are left out. Such occasions can include walking a bride down the aisle, giving the bride away, giving advice to teenage boys, and even teaching grown men how to be a dad. However, when children are little, the absence of a father can be a very painful experience. It’s impossible to know every child’s story and teaching our own children to be compassionate to other children is one of our duties. Read this heartwarming poem that was written by a teacher who witnessed something magical. We don’t know that this really happened, but it’s been going around social media and was too good to not pass on to our readers.
Her hair was up in a ponytail, her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy’s Day at school, and she couldn’t wait to go.
But her mommy tried to tell her that she probably should stay home, why the kids might not understand if she went to school alone.
But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates why he wasn’t there today.
But still, her mother worried, for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again, she tried to keep her daughter home.
But the little girl went to school, eager to tell them all.
About a dad, she never sees a dad who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in back, for everyone to meet.
Children squirming impatiently, anxious in their seats.
One by one, the teacher called a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly passed.
At last, the teacher called her name. Every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching for a man who wasn’t there.
Where’s her daddy at? She heard a boy call out.
She probably doesn’t have one; another student dared to shout.
And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say,
“Looks like another deadbeat dad, too busy to waste his day.”
The words did not offend her as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher, who told her to go on.
And with hands behind her back, slowly, she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child, came words incredibly unique.
My Daddy couldn’t be here, because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be since this is such a special day.
And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy and how much he loves me so.
He loved to tell me stories. He taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses and taught me to fly a kite.
We used to share fudge sundaes and ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him, I’m not standing here alone.
Cause my daddy’s always with me, even though we are apart,
I know because he told me, he’ll forever be in my heart.
With that, her little hand reached up and lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress.
And from somewhere in the crowd of dads, her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter, who was wise beyond her years.
For she stood up for the love of a man, not in her life.
Doing what was best for her, doing what was right.
And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft, but its message clear and loud.
I love my daddy very much. He’s my shining star.
And if he could, he’d be here, but heaven’s just too far.
Sometimes when I close my eyes, it’s like he never went away.
And then she closed her eyes and saw him there that day.
And to her mother’s amazement, she witnessed with surprise.
I know you’re with me, Daddy, to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers, of those once filled with doubt.
Not one in that room could explain it, for each of their eyes had been closed.
But there on the desk beside her was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.
And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, by the love of her shining bright star.
And given the gift of believing, that heaven is never too far.
