To All the Men Who Raised Me

1. 
   

   To All The Men Who Raised Me

   
   

    Written by Nan Forehand

   
   

   June 17, 2012

   
   

   Memories of my earliest years

   
   

   Included worries and fears

   
   

   My biological father was out of the picture

   
   

   A Southern Baptist preacher taught me scripture

   
   

   My stepfather taught me how to fish

   
   

   For a better life was my solitary wish

   
   

   Life isn’t always what it seems

   
   

   God still knew me and He knew my dreams

   
   

   He brought into my life a military man

   
   

   We became one - Allen and Nan

   
   

   In Germany for eight and a half years

   
   

   Two beautiful children and only happy tears

   
   

   Time to return to the states and a new job

   
   

   Illinois was where I met my dear Mr. Bob

   
   

   He was the epitome of who a good father should be

   
   

   Always and forever he will be treasured by me

   
   

   For only a few short months, we lived, we loved and we shared

   
   

   He went home to be with Jesus in 1993.  I know he truly cared

   
   

   Now let me tell you about my father in law, Mr. Forehand

   
   

   He’s one of the best men in all the land

   
   

   Yes, indeed, he helped raise me

   
   

   An Eagle Scout full of integrity

   
   

   And then there’s my dear friend, Que

   
   

   He taught me so much about the poetry I share with you

   
   

   My mentor, teacher, critic and friend

   
   

   He doesn’t realize how much he helped me to mend

   
   

   The words of my Woody warmed my soul

   
   

   Through the years the worried, fearful child became whole

   
   

   Thank you, Jesus for all the men who raised me

   
   

   To be all the best I can possibly be

   
   

    

   
   

   Author’s note: This poem is dedicated to all the men who raised me.  Thank you for loving me through the good, the bad and the ugly!