He gave me memories that will be told to grandchildren
How he played, how he ran, how he hit, how he moved then
He grew into a man that in ways I still want to become
He taught me great character, how to live and have fun
I wanted to mold him but discovered in years home
That it was he who often taught me the best way to run.
In my zeal to give him the best
Both the good and the bad came with moments of unrest
But through it all, I would always come back
To the fact that I love him and knowing he’s on the right track
They say that you train them to grow up and move apart
But in doing so I did not realize the impending ache in my heart
Its just part of life, one that everyone knows
But that doesn’t relieve my loneliness and woes
In growing apart I wonder if he thought we were unique
Or were the things that I witnessed merely common and meek?
I saw great feats of talent at just the right time
As if written by God who intended life to rhyme
I wanted him to grow but always thought by my side
I just can’t let him go but he must like the ocean tide
I hope he can look back and see he was held in God’s hands
As he ventures out farther onto uncharted lands
I wonder if he knows just how much I need him
To continue to want me so my life doesn’t grow dim
I gave all that I could and I would repeat it all again
For it was I that was blessed among many of men
I always desired to parent, coach or advise
Then after I did, realized my words weren’t always wise
He needs to be on his own where life’s challenges hit hard
Without me as the buffer or to rearrange his set of cards
I fear if I don’t that he just might miss out
Then only to realize there is no growth if their isn’t some doubt
I pray for enough success to keep his fire burning
With just enough failure for humility and learning
But knowing all this you would think I’d be stronger
There are days that I just can’t stand to be apart any longer
Lord give me the strength to speak words of wisdom
So You can build us both up to boldly live for Your Kingdom
Would I hear You say well done my good friend?
Would he agree if you did or feel there was much left to mend?
I need him to give life every effort that he’s got
So I know that I taught him to love life a lot
It is time for me to truly retreat
And allow You, his teachers, and mentors my seat
It’s hard to let go and I wonder how long
I will continue to wonder just how much I did wrong
As hard as it seems, I will try to let go and to trust
In the One who redeemed us and who knows what is just
I just can’t give him up without holding on a bit more
God you must understand, for You know me for sure
I just need assurance that he cares how I feel
That my hurt is not crippling but it is very real
I want him to soar and to give life his best
So that his future will shine and he will pass the test
He gave me a life filled with joys I can’t contain
Where I smile and cry sometimes at just the mention of his name
It’s difficult in knowing I’m no longer his coach
And its time to let go so his future only he can approach
All I can say is well done my good son
It gave me great pleasure to watch as you would run
Your friends will recall and refer to these days
As the time of someone special that they fondly call Blaise
If your future is an ounce as bright as your past
You will bring many more memories to your own that will last
I love you forever and I will never be done
Wanting the best for my friend, my soulmate, and my son
Written when son left for college on an athletic scholarship his freshman year
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