A Sad Tale You May Want To Skip

True stories are often the saddest, so go to another poem if you 
are afraid of this one.
Seventy-five years ago a Mommy died leaving a boy of two 
with her husband, a farmer.
The husband was a father, but no Daddy; 
he plopped the motherless child in an orphanage.
But refused to relinquish his rights, even though several 
families wanted to adopt the toddler.

The toddler grew up in the orphanage, and reached the 
sad age of fourteen, one of the few to do this.
When he was fourteen, his father came by and picked him 
up to go home which was his right.
He did not recognize his father who was harsh, 
and as you can see, not a fair or nice man.
With a father like this is it any wonder the child 
had difficulty at school and got into many a fight?

As soon as he was able, the toddler-orphanage-lost-fighter-child 
joined the service and left the state.
The service was terrific for him, he knew how to share a room, 
and live in a bunk bed, second classed.
The man who told me this story explained 
that this lost child was his father, but he never spoke of this.
Not wanting his family to know what a horrible life he had as a child. 
His children who adored him learned of it after he passed.

He was the kindest, most gentle father in the world, 
my friend told me. He always hugged us.
He could not tell us that he loved us enough. 
He said it so many times it embarrassed my mother,
But it pleased my older sister, and me, and of course, 
my one and only brother, Big Maddy.
The man who told me this story had tears in his eyes
for that little boy, his own sweet neglected Daddy.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

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Mcferran Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 4:06 PM
Sad story, but what a beautiful ending! I had a dear friend who also grew up in an orphanage and later became one of the most loving, tender, devoted fathers. This is very touching and inspiring to me! ...Still filling up my FAV list!! ;)
Krutsinger Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 9:06 PM
It is a true story that always makes me think of how selfless this two-year-old man was to grow up and not ever burden his own children with it.
Proxenos Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 11:47 AM
However, you came across this story Caren, it is tearful and so well described, Well penned. Jennifer.
Krutsinger Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 9:07 PM
I have a really close friend who teaches school; it is about his father, who was the sweetest man ever, and it is a true story, Jennifer.
Proxenos Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 11:45 AM
What a glorious story of love, redemption and hope. What a loving man this must have been who took his secret to the grave! A beautiful tale.
Krutsinger Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 9:08 PM
I think he must have glorious angel wings, as he is being honored for his selflessness and his empathy toward others.
Kiser Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 8:06 AM
That is very sad but, at least he was able to offer the love to his family.
Krutsinger Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 10:50 AM
I know my friend feels really badly for his father who did not want to burden him with this burden. I cannot help but wonder who did, as no one stepped up when he was 2.
Awtry Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 8:03 AM
It is sad. But not a hopeless sadness at all. That boy grew up to love deeply and treasure his family and lavish them with his affection. I am so glad I didn't skip this one, even though it made me cry. You told this story in such a way that your writing disappears and the story unfolds... you are a master story teller.
Krutsinger Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 10:50 AM
Thank you P.S. I heard it and it astounded and stunned me, and the teller of the tale is a sweet heart of a man; he cried when he told me of it.
Blown Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 7:25 AM
not much is as the tv stereotyped play houses
Krutsinger Avatar
January 7, 2019 at 11:02 AM
I kind of like them actually. I am easily fooled by them.
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