Honorable Mention—Adult
What tools could a father possibly share with his daughter?
What skills or trades should he have taught her?
When years have passed and the daughter has grown,
Will the person she is, reflect seeds sown?
From early on in her life, he searched through his tool chest,
Selecting the right tool, the one that was best.
He showed her what it was and how she should use it.
He encouraged her to be careful lest she abuse it.
What tools could these be, that the daughter still treasured,
The value of each, priceless, a special gift yet unmeasured?
What tools could a father, wisened by time,
Pass on to his daughter to assist in life’s climb?
In the father’s tool chest lived not hammer or awl,
But tools much more powerful on which to call.
Honesty, respect, joy from a job well done,
Integrity, self-discipline, growth from a challenge met and
then won.
The value of learning and exploring books from life’s shelf,
The bond of a family balanced with taking care of self,
Gratitude to God for the many ways she’s been blessed,
And love to her father for sharing tools from his chest.
By Sheree Huber Williams