By HAROLD KELLER / L’Observateur / March 3, 1999

Many years ago, there was a song titled: “Little Things Mean a Lot.” That’sespecially true with children. It’s the little things they will remember.Most fathers want the best for their children. They think that givingmaterial things are the most important. The fact is, the one thing allchildren desire is quality time spent with a parent.

In 1964, I received the following poem from Holy Cross High School. I hopethat it will inspire some fathers to act and reach out to their children and give them the most precious gift – their time.

Companionship-At Last! When God gave me a little boy I vowed that I’d endure, His every word and every want And make his life secure.

I set a pace that left no time For idleness or wishing, No foolish squander of my time On wasteful things like fishing.

I felt quite proud of my results Until one day he spurned, My latest gift, a brand-new bike Stood as I placed it, wheels unturned.

I searched for him until I found Him sitting by the brook, Passing time with an ill-dressed man And baiting up a hook.

I listened quietly as he spoke “Hey, Dad, you have a bite.

Gee, this is ever so much fun To have you here tonight.”

My puzzled heart turned cold inside: Had someone filled my place? I took another look to find The stranger had no face.

The boy had propped my fishing hat And coat upon a pole, To take my place upon the bank Of the old fishing hole.

I grieved to think that I had been Replaced by apparition.

There and then, I learned the truth ‘Bout boys and dads and fishing.

I took my place beside the boy, My heard welled up with shame.

“I’m sorry that I’m late,” I said, “I’ve no one else to blame.”

I donned the shapeless hat and coat And felt relieved to find, They fit a man who’d just grown up In stature and in mind.

“I hope you haven’t caught them all.”He looked at me with glee.

“No, Dad, I’ve always put them back ‘Til you could fish with me.”

Day Yeager, Pennsylvania Angler, August 1961 Louisiana Conservationist

Harold Keller is a regular columnist for L’Observateur

Copyright © 1998, Wick Communications, Inc.

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