What being a father is all about
Submitted by: Kevin Chertkow

A few days ago, while cleaning up some old things around the house. I came across of box of stuff my parents had kept from my childhood. Amongst the weird art projects, drawings, report cards and other things, I came across my birth announcement my father wrote.

Today is my birthday, so it seems fitting to share this. It's an example of how a father's love can have such and impact on a child's life. Even through our worst times in my youth, he struggled. Never giving up being the father he needed to be.

Over the years, my father has been a rock, a foundation to stand on and a pillow when I flop. As an adult with children of my own, I now understand and appreciate the words of his poem.

A Birthday Prayer
By
Bruce Chertkow

As a wisp of smoke passes over a hill,
our thoughts and dreams we hold too still.
As a silent hawk glides with the wind,
An unborn child resides within.

Beauty is a sight to behold,
A wondrous story is untold.
The thoughts of awe are unseen,
A happy child is our dream.

We've asked for children like the rest,
our prayers are answered for the best.
Too many times we both have seen
parents who hold our unreached dream.

Then there are those who don't want theirs,
parents who abuse without any cares.
A child needs love with which to survive,
and love must grow to keep them alive.

Nine months of waiting, God has provided,
he has created and God has guided
a child for us with love in its heart,
we thank you Lord, for our child's new start.

Kevin Paul Chertkow was born
August 23, 1975 at 12:30pm
At Birth Kevin weighted seven pounds, four ounces and was twenty inches in length.

Both he and his mother are doing fine.



Finding this poem 36 years later, it makes me smile to know my father was Dad To The Bone long before I ever was. Never underestimate your abilities as a parent. No gesture is too small and no amount of love is too great.

Thanks Dad