My Hero - My Dad

I grew up holding a dear man in high esteem,
And as strange to you as it may seem,
Though there was a plethora of heroes to be had,
My all time hero was and is my dear old Dad!

He led his family by setting a Godly example.
His loving kindness was more than ample.
Struggling through the Great Depression,
Supporting his family was his only obsession!

He was a devout believer in God and his nation,
And was always active in his congregation.
Dad was a firm believer in the Golden Rule,
Espousing that old adage teaching Sunday School!

Though he has been gone for many years,
I still think of him and shed rueful tears,
As I recall the greatest hero I know of.
Care of his family and others was a labor of love.

He made no ripples as he traveled life's rocky road,
And with many burdens his back was bowed.
Just an ordinary factory worker in the local town,
No doubt in Heaven he wears a many-starred crown!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved

A tribute to my father, William John Hinshaw
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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A   Avatar
August 6, 2014 at 9:45 PM
Robert, Congratulations, In Carol's Unsung Hero Contest. LINDA
Gorelick Avatar
August 1, 2014 at 11:51 AM
As they say.."the apple doesn't fall far from the tree"...I'm sure he was a great person..just like you...congrats. BG
Mehta Avatar
August 1, 2014 at 6:03 AM
Well crafted piece to pay a great tribute to your dad, Bob. Congrats
A. Sharma Avatar
August 1, 2014 at 5:55 AM
Amazingly wonderful Robert ! great tribute to ur dad thru' such gem of a poem ,, congrats on top win!
Nance Avatar
July 31, 2014 at 9:16 PM
Oh my goodness you brought tears to my eyes with this wonderful wonderful poem. I love it, so many grats for your win in the hero contest, this was an honor to read :)
A  Avatar
January 9, 2011 at 9:08 PM
A PRECIOUS POEM BOB H. LOVE IT..SKAT
Falotico Avatar
January 4, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Great entry, My dad aslo not here in body but his spiirt is with me always...your words bring back nice thoughts...Michael
L Avatar
January 3, 2011 at 7:11 AM
Very good to know that your dad is your hero. No better person a son or daughter could ever have.
Devonshire Avatar
January 1, 2011 at 8:03 AM
A moving tribute, Bob. Your Dad and mine sound very much the same and he was my hero as well. I love the thought of both of them wearing "many-starred crowns." Best wishes in the contest, dear friend. Happy New Year! Love, Carolyn
Dietrich Avatar
January 1, 2011 at 1:19 AM
great final line on this one, Robert.I bet it is so true. And you should do great in this contest. Your love of him shines thru!!
Johnson Avatar
December 31, 2010 at 12:55 PM
Those Hoosier Dads cannot be beat. You could have been writing about mine. Thanks for your comments and good luck in the contest. Love, Joyce
Taylor Avatar
December 31, 2010 at 10:50 AM
Outstanding tribute, my friend. Enjoyed. Thanks for all your comments on my stuff in 2010. Happiest of New years in 2011 to you and Vera. All our best to you guys. Luv Una and Ralphie.
A   Avatar
December 30, 2010 at 6:22 PM
Bob H., a wonderful poem and entry dedicated,, to your dad,.my dad my hero as well...\ .p.d.
Mehta Avatar
December 30, 2010 at 8:36 AM
What a similarities between your dad and my dad, Just read my poem passion_pits whenever you can spare time. As I was reading I thought I put myself into it, Bob. A real gem this poem
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