The Postcard I Will Never Get to Send to My Hero
by Thomas Beckwith
It has been well over a decade since your death,
but the truth is, it left me broken for many years.
I feel as if I was robbed of an opportunity to say a proper goodbye.
Some days it felt like I was on a deserted island.
Pops, you were one of the very few people who understood
me, even though you were privileged in some ways.
You came from humble beginnings and understood the struggles.
It was difficult for me; I lost Mom, you, and then my job was eliminated.
I felt abandoned when I lost you, “the only father I knew.”
You loved me as I was your child by birth. You supported and believed in me.
You even protected me from the world and sometimes myself.
It’s funny how fate works; I met you when I was thirteen.
Your belief in the outcasts—geeks, freaks, slackers,
loners, leaders, and late bloomers were limitless.
You deserve adoration. Your belief was lifelong. Your impact was
everlasting, and you empowered and uplifted so many people.
I was robbed of an opportunity to say goodbye,
but you embodied the “time spent is love shared.”
You didn’t wear a cape, but you lent a shoulder to cry
on and cared when many abandoned me.
It’s funny how fate works; you loved me as if
I was your child by birth. You supported and believed in me.
You deserve all the stars in the world.
You’re the reason why I work in education.
You’re a hero! You didn’t wear a cape.
You gave so many students hope, and it is probably
because you came from humble beginnings.
You made so many students feel like they mattered.
You were a man of wisdom and faith.
You had a way of showing tough love.
You embodied “time spent is love shared.”
You’re a hero who didn’t wear a cape!
A boomer, a veteran, a mentor, an educator,
and most of all, a father.
A man who stepped up to the plate.
A reminder that love doesn’t have a race.
***
Thomas Beckwith is an Assistant Director for the University of Florida’s Office of Academic Support, where he provides support to students including academic coaching, leadership development, and holistic success planning. He also enjoys writing in his authentic voice, finding it to be a therapeutic way to process experiences and overcome past trauma.
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