Faithful Fathers

To the One who designed me
gave me breath
life
continues to give me the gift of life
and nurture me with His gentle care
He is a faithful Father.

To the one who accepted me
gave me a home
hope
continues to give me the gift of family
and be "there" in your quiet, faithful way
you are a faithful father.

Tears
tears of joy
and thankfulness
of overwhelming love
and thankfulness
to Him,
to you

Who would have thought
one like me
unplanned by those who conceived me
wounded and aching, hopeless and longing
through the vulnerable years of childhood
would find her heart's desires being birthed
through the very pain that encompassed me
squeezing the breath from me
like a chrysalis
forcing me to fight to break free from the darkness
reach for the light
climb out from the chords of past sorrow and degradation
and find that indeed, life is beautiful
to discover my wings, and learn to fly.

Because that was His plan all along
and the journey was mapped out from the start
the depth of the pain and hopelessness past
enhancing the heights of joy and hope present.

And you, my earthly father by choice, and His design
(don't ask me how that works, but I believe in both)
helped me along the way
by being a stalwart example of His attributes
love
joy
peace
patience
kindness
goodness
gentleness
and self control

All things I needed to learn.
All things He wanted me to learn
All things you have in part helped me to learn
you, are a faithful father.

I am blessed.
May my life
in some small way
be a blessing to both of you
my faithful fathers.