He Had Other Trophies

A poem I write in 2009 soon after my father's passing, in honor of his giving spirit.

My Dad at seventy

did not sit in his chair

and tell tales by the fire

of football heroics

though he could have, not he!

A champion weight lifter

my Dad went to big meets

with his son to compete

and quite often he'd win

and come home triumphant.

His next goal was to beat

a guy stronger than he

and he worked and he worked

until he could bench press,

believe me, 300!

My Dad won that big match

that trophy was golden,

he was grinning and glad

and he walked with much pride,

he was twenty inside.

As my brother and Dad

walked away from the gym

a young man was leaving

who dropped his big trophy

which landed in pieces.

The face of the lifter

was grief-stricken and so

unzipping his bag fast

Dad did what he had to

and gave him his trophy.

The young man was startled

and could not say a thing

for my Dad walked away

not waiting for thank you's,

he had other trophies.

Rest in peace, Dad.  I love you!

Author's Note

Graphics credit: Michael D. Salmon, my brother

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Joyce... a beautiful story of
your Dad's giving Spirit. His gift was
very unselfish... and surely gave him inner
Peace. It must be similar to being
in a Parish and looking at stained glass
windows of Saints in vivid colors with the
Light shining through. truly... Pat

[Joyce S. Greene]

What a lovely review, Patricia. When my mother was suffering from Alzheimer's, my father cared for her at home for many years. She would ask to go to church at times when there were no services, but my father would drive her to the church so she could see for herself. He was a very giving man and he loved my mother very much. Even when she had to go into a facility because of a broken hip, he practically lived there and tried to supervise the work of the staff.
I appreciate your reading my poem and leaving such wonderful words behind.

[Rita L. Sev]

What an amazing and generous man your father was, Joyce! This is a wonderful tribute to him. I especially like these lines:
and he walked with much pride,
he was twenty inside.

This says a lot about his spirit, and his real strength which had nothing to do with weights!

[Joyce S. Greene]

You're right, Rita. Dad was not a materialistic person. He cared deeply for his family and did not worry about what he did not have. For many years he owned only one suit and yet bought bikes for my sister and myself with his first bonus. He was very generous with what he had! I appreciate your very nice review. It means a lot to me.

[Relic]

That sounds like quite a guy. The world could use more men like your dad. This is a great tribute.

[Joyce S. Greene]

My Dad was a great person and I miss him a lot. Thank you for your very nice words. They mean a lot to me.

[Relic]

You're welcome Joyce and I'm very sorry for your loss.

[Tom]

Your Dad comes across as a gentle giant blessed with a magnanimous spirit!

A tremendous tribute and thank you for sharing Joyce !

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, Tom. My father would appreciate your kind words as well, I'm sure. He was a giver at heart and that made him a special man.

[Frieda P]

This brought me chills, what an uplifting and triumphant story, I bet he is smiling right now, just knowing you're sharing this with so much pride.....great read Joyce!

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, Frieda, and Dad would have thanked you, too, if he could. My brother told this story as part of his eulogy at Dad's funeral, and it was a very emotional experience for all of us. I really appreciate your very nice words.

[Pryde Foltz]

The reward is in the doing. Great story, Joyce. You Dad sounds amazing.

[Joyce S. Greene]

He was a very giving man and that is one of the things I will always treasure about him. He devoted years of his life to taking care of my mother when she contracted Alzheimer's, and he died within a year and a half of her passsing. He loved her very much. Thanks for your very kind comment.

[Patricia Wedel]

Joyce... if only our leaders could be
more giving like your Dad. Very touching...
and beasautifully penned. Your Dad is an
Angel. truly... Pat

[icelandicblue]

This is such a beautiful story. It's important to remember those moments that made the person we loved who they were. It's just one of many reasons why we love them. Thank you for sharing this Joyce.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, Anne. I felt that my father's spirit was with me this morning, and I wanted to give him something to make him happy.

[icelandicblue]

I am sure he loved it. Your love for him is written in every words.