Patton could accurately claim “War is hell” because he never had to potty train the soldiers he commanded!  Today was a big hurdle for Tyler. So, just for fun, I wrote this to commemorate the day. I call it “What More Can A Father Ask?” and I’m dedicating this to fathers with sons everywhere:

What More Can A Father Ask?

After months, nay…years of anticipation
the youth I love is on his way…
to the independence and actualization
of the business of the day.

He gets no joy from the act, you see,
but fights and battles the very thought with me.
He kicks and screams and throws a fit,
until it ends with a potty sit.

He sings a song of joy to me,
when he finally does succeed to pee.
He jumps for joy and yells with glee,
and proclaims he can do it just like me!

Sitting was not the answer, you see,
it was too much trouble just to go pee…
so standing was the answer to do it,
‘cuz now he can stand where he used to sit.

With relief in sight, and a sigh of joy,
Daddy sees success in his little boy.
The last hurdle to make his parents proud,
my boy has joined the “stand up” crowd!

It’s finally happening,
my boy is almost there.
He was dry all day and he did it with such care.

He was happy to stand next to daddy today…
and pee standing up, proud as he would say,
“Look daddy, I peed just like you…
and look daddy…I didn’t pee on my shoe!” 

What more can a father ask!?
With a smile on my face, I turn to reply…
but I’m speechless as I look upon the face of this little guy,
and simply smile and choke back the tear in my eye.