Summer 2000
A Special Gift for
Father's Day
As family physicians, we are often involved with numerous other responsibilities other than taking care of patients. Community involvement also takes a lot of our personal time. It is easy to get over involved with all aspects of this, particularly with the changes occurring with insurance, Medicare and hospital rules and regulations, just to name a few. Sometimes we lose sight of the things that really should take precedence in our lives. I was never more aware of this until my twin daughters came home from preschool several weeks ago with a special gift that they had made I and would like to share that with you. It is written by Julie O’Brien.
Take time to hold me on your lap,
To joke with me and make me laugh,
Take time, Daddy; this time will go so fast.
Take time to give me extra hugs,
To teach me a nursery rhyme or song,
Take time, Daddy, I won’t be little long.
Take time to tuck me into bed,
To read that story you know by heart,
Take time, Daddy; soon these days will part.
Take time to exclaim over what I color,
To admire the things I make from clay,
Take time, Daddy; I’m growing up and away.
Take time to imagine or make believe,
To play some childish, silly game,
Take time, Daddy; soon it won’t be the same.
Take time to let me help you work,
To teach me the many things you know,
Take time, Daddy; enjoy me as I grow.
At times we all need more of a reality check. This one definitely hit me. Let this serve as a reminder to everyone to make sure that our priorities are in check. From my standpoint, a lot of people can be a father, but not everybody can be a dad. My kids are now calling me to play. My priorities have now been reset; it is time to have fun. I wish a happy Father’s Day to all fathers.