This is you might say, a second part to my Epithet Of A Father...

Don't Do This To Me

Ever since the day you were born
I have done everything I possibly can,
To be the father and the dad
And growing into a man.
But don't feed me any of the guilt
As if I just don't care,
Don't hit me with any cheap shots
Cause that wouldn't be fair.

You know I would do anything
I would go the distance for you,
I have bent over backwards
As I have muddled through.
Don't do this to me
By throwing me a curve,
I don't need this done to me
For I only have one nerve.

You have always come first
Because you mean the world to me,
So don't go throwing me the guilt
Until you learn to see.
How life can treat you at times
And sometimes give you a raw deal,
Because I have done my best
Please, know how I feel.

Now to put in feminine form if you ladies feel like this can be for you as well...I adjusted the upper four lines.

Ever since the day you were born
I have done everything I possibly can,
To be the mother and the mom
And always taking a stand.

Very nice, Robert. But sad!!

Very nice, Robert, but also very sad and heartbreaking!

Robert, I know it seems that those that are the closest to us are sometimes the most challenging. What do they say?...we hurt those we are closest to because we know that they will always love us and accept us regardless. Unfortunately, for some, this is a painful truth. Wishing you much peace and love.

(((Robert)), there is anger and apparent feelings of hurt, yet the anger and hurt are hers. Do not make these things your own. Guilt can only truly effect you if you have intentionally done (or not done) something to harm another.

So you may not have been "perfect" in her eyes (or in your own)~ that may just be the lesson she needs to eventually learn ~ that NO ONE is perfect, that we all make mistakes, that we often try to "make things right", and then we move on with life.

Know what is hers to resolve, and know what is yours. If you do that, you will most likely be less burdened because you will not be carrying her load in addition to your own.

Few, if any of us, have had "perfect parents." Many of us have had imperfectly perfect parents, and therein may lie a journey for healing and growth. This is now part of your daughter's journey, just as you have had your own. Try to leave things be. She will resolve what is hers, one way or another, and you will resolve yours.

Be at peace friend.

As I read through the comments, I am amazed. This is parenthood folks. A parent is not always appreciated. They are seen as the bad guy and the fall guy at times when kids reach a certain age. No matter how strong and self-confident a person is your child(ren) has(have) the power to wound you more than anyone else you will ever love. Yes, emotional growth hurts whether it is your own or that of your children and you have to stand back and watch.

Very, very well done R., I knew you had it in you.

No matter what we do or how we do it all we can do is the best we know how. At times our kids question us and puts us on the spot. Do they understand where we are coming from and why we do what we do? Did you at their age?

We learn within time and trials of the true meaning of a parents love. They may not see who or what you really would do for them now.

But.....until they have dived into what we now know as parent hood. Not until then will they truly understand how it feels to be in the postion of being a parent. And how there words cut deep within our soul.

Kids say hurtful things to us as parents. Sometimes kids say things because they feel hurt, left out, forgotten about in our everyday lives. Especially when there is a divorce involved.

We must remember to remain strong because we know that our kids love us. Also we need to keep letting our kids know what they mean to us and that we love them no matter what happens in life.

I love you Robert and you can't let this bother you. She will understand later in life that the things she said were not right. Just like my 19 year old daughter is going to find out.

aaahhh to be a parent.

Thank you all for your kind and pleasant comments. They were very well taken and appreciated.

Thanks Suze and Erica...sorry it is sad, but like everyone else has said, until my daughters realize what it's like to be in my shoes, they won't understand the hurt they have put me through.

Thank you Pam and it is the hardest of all loves when your children hurt you.

Thank you Angel for your sweet and informative comment. I, as well came from a broken family and it is hard. Thanks once again.

Thank you ((L))...I figured you would like this one. It's the only way I know how to express my feelings is through my writing.

Thank you Kristi...you know just as well because I know you've been there as well. Thanks for your kind advise too.

Thanks sweetheart for your kind words as I know you have been there done that too. I love you and I know you will stand by me.

Thank 1000...yes, it is a challenging job, being a parent. And the only pay you get is one of two ways, enjoyment or being fired.

While I agree with everything everyone has to say, what I have to say needs to be said privately in an e-mail, which I hope you will take the time to read...........