My daddy walked along
so fast and steady in his step,
while I skipped along
like a butterfly
just trying to keep step.
He went on walks for healing,
for you see, he nearly died.
I went on walks to be with him
and to see the clear, blue sky.
We walked along and talked along,
he tried to lead the way,
while I broke out with little dances
and delighted in the day.
Daddy’s feet were fifty five,
while mine were only seven,
but we both enjoyed the walk
each day,
it seemed a lot like heaven.
As our feet have carried us
through thirty years since then,
I have aged and so has he,
but I’m still trying
to keep in step with him.
D. Elaine Wood-Lane
7/30/99
My dad, L.D. Wood, about whom this poem was written, died on November 24, 2006. Although he is gone now, I still try to keep in step with him. He was a good man, a faithful man, and a wonderful father. He taught me about life, both the joys and hardships. He taught me how to maintain a car, do well on job interviews, get a boy to notice me, and how to approach emergencies and crises. He taught me how to stand courageously through tough times and how to laugh through tears. He even taught me how to farm cotton and how to treat animals, our earth and other people with respect and consideration. Most importantly, Dad taught me about Jesus and God, not only with the bible and the talks we had about them, but also by his quiet manner of serving others and his generosity of spirit. His footsteps through life followed Jesus’ steps I finally realized. When I was trying to keep step with Dad, I was also following Jesus’ steps. Even though Daddy isn’t here any longer for walks, he didn’t leave me alone. He left me with someone I can walk with forever…Jesus.
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there today. I pray your influence on your children is as great and good as Daddy’s was on me.
Sunshine Lane 