I had you write a poem for my oldest daughter 2 years ago for her
wedding and now I am having my 2nd daughter graduate from high school
and would like a poem written for her.
Here is some background. Jennifer has been a little different from her 3
siblings. She has really tried to drive me crazy over her teenage years. It has not been pleasant at all in her raising. She is very head
strong and independent. She has always marched to a different drummer.
We have not been very close and she has always felt like an outcast in
the family. Her father and I divorced when she was 4 and I raised the kids by myself until 8 years ago when I remarried. Her father went to prison when she was 4 and was in prison for 7 years getting out in 1993. He has never tried to be part of her life since getting out. He talks to her about twice a year and sees her about once a year. This is where I think Jennifer's problems lay. She really feels unloved because of her fathers actions.
What I would like this poem to be about is this, through all the
struggles with Jennifer I have never stopped loving her. All my children
mean the world to me. I have never been able to explain to people that
my kids literally mean life to me. The joy and love I have for them is
indescribable. And I just don't think Jennifer realizes this. I just
want her to know that no matter what she has done or what path she takes
now that I am always going to be here for her.
One more thing to add is in Nov of 1999 I was diagnosed with cancer and
even though I have had a good report it is very important for me to
express to Jennifer that I deeply love and care for her. It's more
important now then ever to get this across to her. She will be going to
college soon and I want her to feel that some one back at home is always
going to be here waiting and wanting her with open arms and love
overflowing.
thanks
Michele Fuller

A Different Drummer

You've marched to a different drummer,

played a different tune to the rest,

you've stretched and teased my emotions,

you've put my love to the test.

Life wasn't meant to be easy,

sometimes it can be an uphill grind,

sometimes blocks your way,

with every boulder it can find.

Your father has been a disappointment,

I'm sorry he hasn't been much of a Dad,

and I know that hurts you so much,

and I know it leaves us both feeling sad.

We have not been very close,

and you've felt like the black sheep,

and I know that also hurts,

somewhere personal, way down deep.

But I want you to know,

that all through our struggle and our tears,

that I've never, ever stopped loving you,

every day, every month, for all those years.

You literally mean my life to me,

I can't describe the joy and love you bring,

it makes my heart want to explode,

it makes the angels want to sing.

And I need you to know this,

especially now, that's what these words are for,

I want you to know that I love you now,

always have, always will, and will forever more.