Jason wrote with the following problem and he kindly gave me permission to publish his story. I hope the poem helped.
I am 20 and I re-met a classmate I had not seen in 2 years. We decided to go out. She also had a 3 month old baby, Gary Michael. Her name is Katie and she was 19 when we met again. This was in October 1997. In February 1998 I asked her to marry me, her mother was pushing us. I treated Gary Michael like he was my son. He even called me Da Da which made me feel real good. Now it is July 1998 and she has left me. Gary Michael is now 1 year old and I love and miss him. He was my son and I would still do anything for him. Please help me.
What Is A Dad ?
Someone who will love me,
Undeservedly at times,
Someone who will read me,
Bedtime stories and nursery rhymes.
Someone to play with,
Maybe kick a ball,
Someone to pick me up,
When, inevitably I fall.
Someone who will teach me right from wrong,
When I get just a little bit bold,
Someone who will praise me,
And be proud as I grow old.
Someone who I can shout about,
And tell my friends at school,
Someone who will make it right,
When I've made myself a fool.
Someone who will love my Mum,
And help her everyday,
Someone who will pay some bills,
And support us in every way.
Now if this was my decision,
There is only one that I can see,
Because a life without a Da Da,
Is not what I would choose for me.
You see, to become a father,
Takes only the single act,
But to become and stay a Dad,
Is for me and him,
A solemn and lifetime pact.