My father’s life wasn’t easy
He had worked as a small, young boy
Bringing home milk and vegetables
No time for children’s toys.
He was only seven years old
When he started working at the church
Exchanging his toil for pennies then
He never shied away from work.
One of many children
Did his best to help provide
Never complaining about his life
Not one to whine or cry.
As a young man he joined the Navy
With goals yet to achieve
Learned as much as he could
Never doubting his beliefs.
The war took him far away from home
It was a sad day when he was captured
The Japanese had attacked Corregidor
His leg now badly fractured.
They kept him in a prison camp
Fed rice, seaweed and tea.
No sugar, cream, or fancy cups
No thoughts of being freed.
He saw his share of horrors
Worked hard day after day
Three years held in captivity
His life slipping slowly away.
When the war was finally over
Those captured were set free
Thankfully my dad…. still alive
Had been sent back home to me.
My dad, my inspiration
Never bitter, never sad
Always optimistic
Always grateful, always glad.
He exchanged cards and letters
With a guard he’d met long ago
The man who held him captive
He had actually gotten to know.
They wrote to one another
Sent letters, gifts and cards
My father never held a grudge
Though he was badly scarred.
A bonze star and a purple heart
Among the many of his medals
He really was one of a kind, you see
My dad was someone special.
_________________________________
MY DAD: JOSEPH PATRICK O’GRADY
Re-blog from June 2018.
__________________________________
lovenlosses 
This is such a lovely tribute to your dad who sounds like a wonderful man. ❤️
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Thank you so much, Elaine! He was a great man and a great father! He lived to 90 years of age. Always, enjoyed a hot cup of tea, with plenty of sugar! lol. Have a great day! 💙
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Bless him Patty, you were blessed to have him for your father. 🌹
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He sounds like a remarkable man and you were very lucky he was your Dad. 🙂
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Thank you!!!! Happy Father’s Day to the dads in your family, too! 💙
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Thank you 🙂
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Uncle Jippy was such a great man! Loved him so much!
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Your DAD, too! Loved them both!!!!
Thanks for commenting! 💙
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Hi Patty: I miss you! I knew you were made of good stuff, your Dad was a hero to us all. Love, Henry
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Thanks, Henry! Glad you liked my poem. Just talked to Scott. You should give him a call. He passed the Sgt’s exam!!!!
I miss you, too! 💙
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Oh, wow, what a wonderful man. This is so beautiful, squeezed a couple of tears out of me xx
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Thank you, Em! I really appreciate your comments!
Didn’t mean to make you cry, but so glad you liked my poem. 💙
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Patty, what a lovely tribute to your dad. Your post reminds me of my dad. He was in both world wars. He lived until he was 85. May they both rest in peace
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Blessings to your dad in heaven! They were from a special generation….all right! Self sacrificing, loyal, and honorable!!!!! We were lucky to have them! Hope you have a great day! 💙
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❤️
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