A Sonnet For My Father On His Birthday

I’d write a rhyme to prove my depth of love
Or sing angelic song like those above
If gifts like these would prove love’s testament
I’d give and give to prove deep sentiment

But what to you, my Father, can I give?
The one who taught me how to love and live
What can I give you from this daughter’s heart?
But vow that from your side I’ll never part

You mean the world to me, this you must know
With passing years my love for you does grow
Your care for me is what helps see me through
There is no other father sweet like you

May Jesus grant you health and happiness
This birthday wish I wrap in tenderness

Eileen Manassian Ghali


My daddy dearest turns 78 today...78! Where did all the years go??? My father is a pastor, an educator, and writer, but most of all, he is the best father in all the world.  Yes, my My father has always been a very central figure in my life. I couldn't have hoped for a better dad. We've been close through the years, and I know that he is always there to catch me when I fall. Isn't that, after all, what our heavenly Father is like? I so love and adore my dad. If you'd like to "see" him, you can check my photos on my page here. :)
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

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Jones Avatar
March 16, 2014 at 8:51 PM
Such a lucky girl you are and a lovely tribute for daddy my girl....MD
Chircop Avatar
March 13, 2014 at 6:44 PM
A beautiful dedication..I am happy for you that you have a wonderful father sweet Eileen.Your heart is golden and your fatlher's must be a treasure trove...Happy Birthday Papa..love from Charma :.)
Manassian Avatar
March 14, 2014 at 12:19 PM
Oh sweetie. My dad is larger than life to me. When I was younger, I thought his word was gospel. I see now he has his weaknesses too, but...don't we all. Yes, I am blessed. Thank you for your comment. Hugs, my dear sweet friend.
Lamoureux Avatar
March 13, 2014 at 9:26 AM
Hi Eileen, I hope you are having a great day.
Manassian Avatar
March 14, 2014 at 12:19 PM
:) This is late, but better late than never. Today is just fine and dandy, thanks! :)
Trifiatis Avatar
March 13, 2014 at 8:41 AM
May I join to wish your father a Happy Birthday? What a better poem a daughter could write for her father? The best poem however for you father is YOU! May the Good Lord be generous and let your father live healthy for to be a hundred and more!
Manassian Avatar
March 14, 2014 at 12:20 PM
You are ever kind to me, Demetri! God bless you. I so hope that he will be with me for a long time to come. I already lost my Mama 14 years ago....and even now...I haven't fully recovered. The Lord knows...Every day we live is written in His book before one of them came to be. I need to trust. Thank you! :)
A   Avatar
March 12, 2014 at 11:19 PM
Hello Eileen, you look very beautiful in your avatar:) A dear poem for your father. My dad is 77 or 78... his, birthday is coming up. I've never written him a poem. I might this year. thank you for the inspiration. xox~ Linda
Manassian Avatar
March 14, 2014 at 12:28 PM
Hey PD...Great to have a visit from you! I've changed my avatar since this post. Yea....I'm crazy about pics! Thanks for the compliment though. I'm sure your dad would love to have a poem from you! :) Thanks for the visit.
Allison Avatar
March 12, 2014 at 9:04 PM
You are both so lucky to have such a wonderful close relationship Eileen. Many happy returns to your father - a fitting tribute in this wonderful poem. Jan x
Allison Avatar
March 14, 2014 at 6:59 PM
Oh Eileen I smile the biggest smile ever when I log on and see P and a star by my name. I hope I can make the wonderful person proud, whoever it was who gave me this amazing gift.
Manassian Avatar
March 14, 2014 at 12:30 PM
Jan...so sweet of you to visit and post this! Thanks ever so much. Yes, it is indeed a blessing. Will be by to visit soon! Hugs! BTW...congrats on the PM!
Seal Avatar
March 12, 2014 at 7:29 PM
Wishing your dad a happy birthday, bowling eh, ten pin or lawn green? so you're a daddies girl are yer, as if we couldn't tell lol, So pleased you have the relationship you do. Take care, Richard
Manassian Avatar
March 14, 2014 at 12:32 PM
The first one....ten pin. :) Yes, I am a daddy's girl. He did spoil me, Richard...so, in a way, he does get some blame. I grew up thinking I'm a princess....life has taught me otherwise....Oh well, I love my Pappy, that's for sure! He's the bestest! Thanks for visiting.
Lamoureux Avatar
March 12, 2014 at 4:34 PM
Aww this is sweet, congratulations to your dad. I tried to respond to your post on my pantoum but the replys kept posting to Shadow. When you have a chance read the poem again it is now finished.
Manassian Avatar
March 12, 2014 at 4:40 PM
On My WAY..........wait a minute wait a minute............WHO SAYS THAT????????? Oh...I know...It's Mr Lamoureux! ;)
Smith Avatar
March 12, 2014 at 2:17 PM
I bet he is one proud papa . He has raised an outstanding daughter..Your tribute is outstanding ..... Tim
Manassian Avatar
March 12, 2014 at 2:21 PM
Thank you kindly, Tim. That's very sweet of you!
Onclaud Avatar
March 12, 2014 at 2:13 PM
such a sweet and heartfelt tribute to your father, eileen... i lovvve this!.. huggs
Manassian Avatar
March 12, 2014 at 2:16 PM
Thanks, Nette....I Skyped with him earlier. He is having a grand old day. He loves bowling so...they are off bowling now..he, my step-mom, step-sis, and my daughter. Wish I could be in Cyprus celebrating with them. Thanks for the visit
Callus Avatar
March 12, 2014 at 1:28 PM
What a warm, sincere dedication! Reading your reply to Honestly JT gives more than an indication of why there is such a close relationship between you and your father...you'll always be his baby girl...and a special one at that! May I join you in wishing him a happy birthday plus more of the same. [my other half has hers today ,too!] // paul
Manassian Avatar
March 12, 2014 at 1:31 PM
:) It's a special day all around then! :) Thanks for the lovely birthday wishes, Paul. Very sweet of you! May I wish your other half the same? :) You bring lots of joy with your visits. I think I have the gift of Barnabas...you are an encourager.....nothing finer than that. Hugs
Carroll Avatar
March 12, 2014 at 1:18 PM
Most wonderful tribute poem for your father Eileen!
Manassian Avatar
March 12, 2014 at 1:19 PM
Thanks, Ken...he is a very special man in my life!!! :)
J.T. Avatar
March 12, 2014 at 12:56 PM
You have done it once again Eileen. I really enjoyed reading this heartfelt masterpiece. (7)
Manassian Avatar
March 12, 2014 at 1:00 PM
Thanks, JT. I always love having visits from you! ;) Yes, my daddy really rocks! Of course, he did spoil me. Mom found out she was pregnant at 41. I was a SURPRISE! Mom and dad already had two rambunctious boys...so a little girl was sure to get lots of attention. :) I'm a daddy's girl alright! Thanks for the post...HUGS
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