| THE BLUE RIBBON...PG 2 |
The older man, startled, said "What on earth--" But the other just raised a hand "This ribbon is a prize awarded To a very special man! You've made a difference in my life By what you teach me every day And what I've learned from you I'm sure Will bring much success my way!" He laid a second ribbon on the desk Saying softly, "It's your turn..." The boss sat motionless once he'd left Feeling tears begin to burn... Later that same evening When the older man arrived at home He approached his teenage son and said "Let's talk in the den....alone!" The surly teen was most suspicious Following his father down the hall "What have I done now?" he wondered Wishing somehow he could stall.... Settling on the love seat The man beckoned to the lad "Come sit...let's talk....about your day Tell me, was it good or bad?" Staring belligerently at his father The boy asked, "What do you care? All you ever do is criticize' Or else act like I'm not there!" The father looked up sadly Saying, "Son...I know you're right These days it seems like all we do Is argue, fuss and fight! But something happened this afternoon That stopped me in my tracks And made me realize I was losing What I never could get back!" He put an arm around the boy And as tears fell from his eyes He said, "I don't think you even know Or truly realize.... And if you don't it is my fault Have I ever said the words out loud? Told you how much I love you? Or how you make me feel so proud? Next to your mother, you've always been The most important one in my heart I was wrong to never let you know And right now I'd like to start" He reached out then and laid the ribbon In the hand of his silent son Who during his speech had sat like stone Uttering not a word....not one "I was told," his dad went on To give this ribbon if inspired To someone who'd made a difference.. Someone who mattered....that I admired!" |
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