Difference

It would be simple 

To point out the difference

And the impact you made

In many areas of my life

Obviously, 

As my father, the first difference 

Was the very creation of my life

Since everything else after

Is predicated on this change

The ripples of your influence 

Trace to before my birth 

As we grew together 

I, as a child, 

and you, as a parent

Our relationship changed and matured 

In some ways and places, 

we were equals 

Even in those places, 

you always made a difference

 

Throughout my life 

Other people have made differences 

None were as profound 

As the difference you made 

You were the one I could always call, 

The one I could always visit, 

With any situation 

At any time, day or night 

You weren’t my entire anchor 

But you were definitely a big part of it 

At times you were my North Star 

Other times, you were the wind in my sails 

This is my nineteenth Father’s Day since you passed 

It’s not you when the phone rings 

It’s not your car in my driveway 

It’s not you sharing something in email 

It’s not getting easier 

I still miss you 

However 

You do still talk to me 

You’re still my North Star 

Your wind is still in my sails 

You are still making a difference, Dad 

I see your influence in my decisions 

I hear your words even when they come from me 

I feel your love surrounding me, always 

Thanks for the difference

Happy Father’s Day, Dad 

© Ron Simpson Jr. 

June 15, 2025