Divorced Dad's

I don't think that Andi realized what she was getting into when she posted the following poem in the discussion forum. I recieve more mail praising the following words than any other part of this site. Which is somewhat comforting to me. It tells me that people are looking into the words and hoping for a change, they are seeing the meaning and struggle that comes with being a divorced parent. Not everyone falls into the following role, but I would be willing to bet that everyone know someone that does. That is why it is so appealing.

Please ask permission before reprinting or distributing this poem. You can contact me at divorced_dads@juno.com, or you can contact Andi at, Andeaz@netcom.ca. Thank you.

Ode to Dads
Written by, Andi

ANYTHING SEPARATED MOMS CAN DO…

Separated Moms can now be virtually assured that they will maintain custody of their children regardless of parenting skills while Dad struggles to retain his...
Teaching our children justice

Separated Moms can now dictate when, how, why and even IF Dad is allowed to see our children...
Teaching our children the value of control

Separated Moms can now get Dad to pay for all past and present 'evil deeds' by denying access to Dad...
Teaching our children revenge

Separated Moms can now demand swift and sure payment from the government and Dad for taking care of our children while themselves, exempt from any form of governed responsibility...
Teaching our children irresponsibility

Separated Moms can now live with another man to supplement their income - as long as the government doesn't know...
Teaching our children deceit

Separated Moms can now allow our children to live with their father - as long as they keep receiving government support and support from Dad...
Teaching our children greed

Separated Moms can now tell our children how horrible their Dad is without fear of rebuttal...
Teaching our children slander

Is this, separated Mom, really what you want to teach your children?

SEPARATED DADS CAN DO BETTER!!!

Separated Dads can now fight in court for years, spending thousands of dollars just to see their children...
Teaching our children determination

Separated Dads can now drop all plans and race to see their children when Mom 'allows' them to...
Teaching our children loyalty

Separated Dads can now 'wait out the storm' but always be there for the children when he is allowed to be...
Teaching our children patience

Separated Dads can now live in a basement apartment and work two jobs to make certain his support payments are paid...
Teaching our children responsibility

Separated Dads can now continue working two jobs, knowing that Mom's income is supplemented by another person's, while his financial responsibilities remain the same...
Teaching our children self-sacrifice

Separated Dads can now keep our children under their roof and still pay support to Mom...
Teaching our children the value of love - not money

Separated Dads can now listen to the horrible stories, through the mouths of our children, that Mom told them about Dad and say, 'Don't worry, Mom is just mad at Dad. All that matters is that I love you and will help you in whatever way I can whenever you need me.' Teaching our children the true meaning of love

This, separated Dad, whether you are ever present or not, is your job. And whether it be today, or years from now, your children will love you and respect you for the pain, heartache and self-sacrifice that you endured for them. Be strong, and don't give up.

Andi

'Ode to Dads' is © 1997