我的父亲是我的英雄
　　　My father was my hero, all throughout my life.

　　　　The father of eight children, he saw his share of strife1.

　　　　When I was very little, he appeared to be so large.

　　　　In my eyes he could do anything, we all knew he was in charge2.

　　　　He was a man of great strength both physically and in mind,

　　　　but in him there was a gentleness, he found ways to be outgoing3 and kind.

　　　　Many days of childhood were greeted with a kiss,

　　　　and songs to me as I awoke, those days I surely miss.

　　　　He made me feel so special, "Miss America" he would sing.

　　　　I knew I had my father's love. It gave me courage to do most4 anything.

　　　　From him I learned to stand up tall, to be proud of who I am.

　　　　Strength and determination were the qualities of this fine man.

　　　　As the years of his life dwindled down5, that strength kept him alive.

　　　　Plus the unfailing determination to help my ailing6 mother have the care she needed to survive.

　　　　He loved her and his children, so much he gave up years of his life

　　　　caring for this woman, his soul