With great responsibility
He stands alone.
His squad is small
But no less vital to his mission.

He must keep them safe,
Tend to their wounds,
Boost their morale,
Provide for their needs.

It is them against the enemy,
Praying for victory,
And he is in charge.

They proceed every day,
Together,
One team,
Against
Loneliness and depression,
Injury and illness,
Thirst and hunger,
Torrential rain and blazing sun.
They drive on.

Some battles are lost,
But in many, they are victorious.
Their determination
And their faith in God
Help them to persevere
Against all odds
And every mountain in their way.

The enemy is near
And never ceases his assult,
But this soldier is prepared
To defend and lead his charges.

At times, his people
Fight against him,
Discouraged and needing guidance,
But he does not abandon them,
For while he leads them in their mission,
They are his.
When they falter
They give him tools.
Their success
Is his achievement.

So it is today and every day
That I salute you,
Brave
Strong
Imperfect,
But perfect in your imperfections
Because of your love.
I salute you,
Single father,
And all others who stand
In the same position,
Doing their best,
Struggling
Celebrating,
Never giving up on us,
Your children.