My Turn: Son's tears helped dad become a better father

I coached my son in high school football in the late 1980s. When I came home one night and went to his room, he had tears in his eyes so I asked him what was wrong. He said, "Dad, you never have time to talk with me when you get home and it hurts."

That night I wrote this for him with tears in my eyes. After that we talked together almost every night.

I hope this helps other parents remember what's important.

• Running Too Fast

I'm running so fast, don't want to be last

Can't catch my breath, don't want to be last

My kids say hi as I run through the day

They wave and ask, dad won't you play

I'm running so fast, what did they say

I got to hurry, don't want to be last

Go to sleep at night, the mind running fast

The days and nights all seem the same

I go through life always feeling this blame

A pity no one else can feel my shame

I'm running so fast, from town to town

I'm running so fast, the feelings the same

Where am I going, that I can't slow down

The clock is running, my life goes on

No one will remember how fast I ran

The clock is ticking, I have this fear

I know I may not make another year

I still am running, I'm running so fast

I know this year could be my last

I wish I could change, some things in my past

I tried to run, to heal the pain

I'm running so fast, is it all in vain

Time has finally stopped, no where to run

I ran too fast, and now I'm last

My life may be ending, too soon you see

I looked in the mirror, and knew it was me

The only person who can change it all

So no more running as fast as I can

I will live life a little slower if I possibly can

I will win the battle, if I can just understand

How to quit running as fast, as fast as I can.

- By Daryl Gankema, Post Falls