DEAR ABBY: My sister, two brothers and I are in our teens. We are being raised by a single mother. We're finally beginning to realize how hard she works to keep a roof over our heads, food on the table and smiles on our faces.
Although Father's Day has passed, we hope you'll print this poem we wrote to her to show we appreciate everything she does for us. Abby, would you please? -- THE OLDEST OF FOUR IN PHOENIX
DEAR OLDEST: I'm delighted to share your original poem with other single mothers who also bear the full responsibility of their children -- and do it well. Read on:
TO FATHER ON HER SPECIAL DAY
We're writing you a poem to say
Have a Happy Father's Day.
There are things our dad should do
But instead you filled his shoes.
And did so well in his position
When he left, we didn't miss him.
No one could have ever guessed
A pretty girl could be the best
At doing stuff reserved for Dad
Without us driving you quite mad.
And we're not sure who spread the lie
About how Dad should be a guy.
'Cause even though you wear a bra
We couldn't ask for a better pa.
The calendar might clearly say
This is father's special day.
And you might think it rather queer
That you will get two days this year.
Two decades wouldn't be enough
To show how much you mean to us
We don't care if you're a girl
You're still the best dad in the world!