It’s a tradition during a bat or bar mitzvah ceremony for parents to deliver specific blessings to their child. I wrote a poem for my daughter Abrielle a few years ago. I want to share it with you as I think it captures the sort of thing most parents wish they could give their children.
If I Could Give You Anything
If could give you anything, anything at all,
I would give you all the things the poets write about – deep blue skies, pure white clouds, warm sunshine, cool breezes, stunning sunsets, glorious rainbows, and grand waterfalls.
I would give you something to smile about every day.
I would surround you with true friends to share your joys, comfort you through tough times, and bring out the best in you.
I would give you great teachers to fill your mind with wondrous facts, unanswered questions and a love for learning.
I would give you the wisdom to know your heart and the courage to follow it.
I would fill your days with carefree play and meaningful work.
I would give you challenges worthy of your talents and achievements worthy of your pride.
I would fill your heart with gratitude and teach it to forgive.
I would give you genuine self-confidence, fearless enthusiasm, and grand expectations.
I would give you a life filled with hugs, laughter, love, and the wisdom to be happy.
And when you are ready, I would give you a life mate worthy to be your lifelong partner and the father of your children.
And I would give you a daughter as good as you.
Sadly, I don’t have the power to give you all these things.
But I can remind you that you have the power within you to find, make, and keep all the things I wish for you.
Comments 17
great comment Michael. Thanks! I will save it to be used with my daughters in a few years.
Beautiful ! Thanks for sharing ! Amd Happy 70th to Michael ! Your program gives me hope.
truly beautiful!
Hi Michael,
True to your name, Michael, this poem can only be written by an angel for his daughter!
Yes, it brought tears to my eyes as well and my wife is reading a printed copy of it and with a box of tissue by her side. As parents we understnd your sentiments.
We follow you regularly.
As a friend and a person who grew up far from his home and many time in lonliness, I WISH the following from my fellow men. My wish is for my fellow men to understand and tolerate me and my faith of Islam. Here…
Steven Carr Reuben, Ph.D.
Kehillat Israel Reconstructionist Congregation
In one of my favorite Peanuts cartoons, it shows Lucy at her school desk telling Charlie Brown,
Author
Thank you for enjoying and sharing my words.
Great Poem!!!
I have never read anthing like this beautiful,
Author
Thanks. I hope you’ll print a copy and share it with friends. Michael
Shared it with my daughter in college!
Author
How did she like it?
I would add:
Remembrance that you have a soul and that exists an eternity.
Very special, Michael, and I know this to be so true of your caring and your sensitive feelings. And, belated Happy Birthday wishes to you, dear friend. You were in my thoughts and prayers in the 10th. Mazel tov!
Michael,
Such a lovely post…Thank you so much for your beautiful mind and for publishing your art for all to enjoy. I cannot tell you how much I look forward to seeing you in my mailbox and reading it 🙂 I’m hoping you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.
Author
Thank you so much and the best to you in 2016.
Is there a way I can get a copy of this What Will Matter to be played at a funeral; or can I copy it myself? It is so beautiful…Thank you!!!
Author
We will try to find a way.
What a beautiful poem. I’m writing a book for my three kids and would like to include this for my daughter. May I use it if I give you the proper credit? I also want to use a Father’s Prayer for His Son by Douglas MacArthur.
Author
Of course but please write me at ji@jiethics.org to get formal written permission