Unconditional Love

Love has many facets, one is unconditional.

I looked down at that innocent

2 ft. tall, skinny legged girl

and was overwhelmed with

a complex mixture of emotions

3 parts wonder at the potential 

grown woman standing there

3 parts wonder at the miracle 

of Biological growth

3 parts fear of the responsibility

represented by that upturned face

 

when money is short 

and diapers, or a doll, 

or a dress, or tickets, 

or gas is needed, 

a father spends it

 

when forgiveness, 

or a stern lecture, 

or a small paddling, 

or a held hand is needed, 

a father provides it

 

when a 14 year old rejects, 

shouts, demands, hates, 

loves, cries and shouts again

in the same hour

a father is patient

 

when a scruffy unsure boy 

is presented for approval,

when an arm is offered

to walk down that aisle

a father is there

 

when the years pass

and grandbabies sit 

on each knee

with upturned faces

a grandfather remembers, 

and wonders at the miracle

of life, at second chances,

at the love, money, 

wisdom, and patience 

that is needed 

and expected

and will be given

 

to be a proud (grand)father 

requires

unconditional love

Reviews

[Goddess Sophia (filomen..]

lovely!! truly a lovely piece..
the dearness of a father or grandfather..
mine are both gone..and still i think of them
thanks for reminding me.
ciao

[Pema Dorje]

duty is the part, that requires we surrender, and wonder is the part where we recieve a gift; every child made me bigger, sent me to places that moved me and made my heart grow, and we both know, that we end up a winner ... and they grow up so quickley ... a wonderful write with pathos and kindeness

[Helen Woodward]

Brilliant!!!! How true is this? It should be put on a billboard in Times Square! You are so aware, eyes right open to what is necessary, absolute and every child's right...Protect all children...Amen to that....
You've done it again Tammy...I'm in awe of your strong ability to put things in their right place, Bravo! xx

[TL Boehm]

yes this is sublime. I am so relieved you figured out the 'mechanics' of this place. unconditional love is a powerful thing. and you wrote about it beautifully.