Thanks, Dad, for the many times you should have punished me . . . and rightly so,
Thanks for your compassion and the many things you let go.

Thanks for your sweet forgiveness for the many foolish things I done,
Thanks a million for your caring and guiding until your race was run.

Thanks, Dad, I'll always remember and be thankful my whole life through,
Thanks for the memories and all the happy days I spent with you.

Thanks seems so inadequate for the things I'd like to say,
But thanks will have to suffice until we can sit down and talk anew one day.
 
 

                                              Carl L. Hempen