No path is free of rugged ground,
Or bends concealed from sight.
Each life will need a steady hand
To guide in darkness through the night.

There never seemed a need to ask
Which way to turn or stand.
Few things a boy accepts as fixed-
As steadfast as his father’s hand.

The son who followed at your side
Could little know it then.
The lessons lived, but seldom taught,
Are how good fathers fashion men.

It took the passing of the years,
Till I could plainly see.
My burden seems much lighter now;
You bore the weight and guided me.

Behind this strength I always knew,
A deeper faith was sown;
The hand that steadied mine through life
Was held and guided by His own.

We cannot know what roads remain,
Nor what may yet ensue;
We’ve placed our faith in Him alone,
And He will lead us safely through.


– Written for my father’s 87th birthday, Sept 8, 2026.