Thoughts of a Soldier

It is memorial weekend but to those who have lost their father everyday is memorial day. My dad was a soldier in the Argyle & Southern Highlanders in world war two and was fortunate to return but I remember him showing me a picture of his regiment taken at Stirling castle before they left for war and very few of the men in that picture returned home to Scotland.

So today as I spend the day with my son I am thinking of a soldier, my father and his grandfather, who he never met and others like him from America who gave us the ability to enjoy our day living in freedom.

Is it not ironic that over sixty years later the British and Americans are again fighting side by side against dictatorships and tyranny for a freedom that is for others.

Thoughts of my Father

It's been so long since you held me dad,
It's been so long since you dried my tears,
It's been so long since I heard your laughter,
Wringing in my ears.

And what can I say now to a piece of stone.
Wait for me till it's my time to come home?
The years they pass so slowly deep within my heart,
And yet time passes quickly as each day I start.

I remember all you taught me,
Especially to pray,
Just like you dad every night and day,
And if you can hear them in heaven high above,
Please tell God that you planted this seed of love.

I know the words of my savior,
But I know yours too,
The little pearls of wisdom,
Like God will see you through.

The psalms and the proverbs,
Every man should read,
Wisdom and discernment,
Given to those decreed.

I am a little boy now become a man,
Following in your shadow,
Trying the best I can,
With each deed to show.

The fruit of your love,
You left here below,
Am I a failure?
Lord I hope not so.

I have to thank you Lord,
For the man who rocked my cot,
And walked along beside me,
Telling me what I must not.

It's been a long time dad,
And all I can say,
Is that I am your son,
And I cried for you today.