For My Son, On Graduation Day

Toy planes and trains and video games—
my memories of you.
Chocolate milk at story time—
our world of make-believe felt true.

From Batman to Lord of the Rings,
from The Simpsons to Garfield—
Stan and Ollie, Space Ghost too,
And those starlit baseball fields…

From staycations to vacations,
from losses to some gains—
from food stamps to nice restaurants,
we rode on through the rain.

If life was waiting past our door,
I hardly seemed to care.
But that front door's cracked open now—
I hope, I hope you dare.

So go get 'em, son—your story’s open,
full of laughter, love, and matter.
Midwestern sun—you’ve just begun
your endless silver platter.

The only thing I ask of you
as you break beyond your ceiling:
take the love I gave to you
into a world that needs some healing.

We played a lot as superheroes,
gladly suspending truth—
but now there’s real-life hurting people.
Perhaps their hero is you.

Try to love those who are different—
the strong, the seemingly odd.
Love those who can’t yet love themselves—
and as always, remember God.

You'll need only to look within
to find the Kingdom of Heaven.
And never forget to play it loud—
you are your own secret weapon.

Life isn't found in riches,
and power fades away.
Contentment comes from quiet hearts,

who choose love and peace each day.

And when the skies turn rumble-gray,
and shadows crowd around—
no matter what your failings are,
just know: you make your Father proud.

The chapters now are yours to write,
and this is not the end.
I’ll always be your daddy—
but now I’m honored to be your friend.