When I was a teenager, my dad gave me this poem, and I’m sure he never thought I would ever keep it this long. But it meant something to me then and it still does to this day. At the time, it shed some light into the value and importance my dad placed on being a father, and more importantly, being an example. Now I, too, carry this great responsibility as I look behind me and see a little chap who’s following me.

A careful man I ought to be;
A little fellow follows me.
I do not dare to go astray
For fear he’ll go the self-same way.

Not once can I escape his eyes;
Whate’er he sees me do he tries,
Like me he says he’s going to be,
That little chap who follows me.

He thinks that I am good and fine;
Believes in every word of mine.
The base in me he must not see,
That little chap who follows me.

I must remember as I go
Thru summer sun and winter snow
I’m building for the years to be
That little chap who follows me.

-Author Unknown

Thank you, Dad, for all that you’ve been in my life. I will never in my life forget your words echoing in my mind……Jeremy, don’t just be a wandering generality, but strive to become a meaningful specific. Happy Father’s Day, Dad!