My mother has always loved flowers. When I was around seven, I went in our backyard and picked a flower to give her. I came in with a big smile and handed it to her. Her face lit up as she said thank you. She asked me why I gave her a flower and I said I wanted to sleep over my friend John’s house. BUSTED!

She handed the flower back  and said, “Robert, never give a flower because you want something in return. Give it from your heart without expecting anything.” I felt bad, and handed the flower back and told her I’m giving it from my heart and I don’t expect to sleep at John’s house. She took it, smiled and put it in water. Then she said, “Well if you really did give it from your heart, we will see tomorrow. If the flower unfolds and blooms, then it came from your heart.“

The next morning, I was the first to wake. I ran to the flower and saw how full and beautiful it was. When she came into the kitchen she smiled and said, “I’m glad it came from your heart!” That simple parenting moment has taught me so much in life.

A few years after her death, I wrote “Symbol of a Flower” in her honor. This Valentine’s Day, the poem is added to our Final Portrait Charity; a special project for terminally ill cancer children.

Symbol of a Flower

A Flower is given to someone you love for many reasons,
some good, some bad, some just flow with the seasons.

A Flower can say I’m sorry when trouble is abound,
A Flower can say Smile when life is getting you down.

A Flower can be flattering but at the same time deceiving,
when a Flower is given for intent it does no justice to the one receiving.

But when a Flower is given from the heart it’s symbol is even better,
all of it’s magical powers unfold and bloom sending a warm feeling that will glow forever.

- Robert Louis Vanelli

Several years ago, my father requested I write a father’s day poem for him to share with his church. He wanted the poem to be generic enough to apply to all fathers. (Oh and he wanted it in 3 weeks) I struggled to write the poem. Every line I wrote kept coming back to my father and the lessons he taught me that shaped my life. Finally, I finished the poem that I felt all fathers have in common. Today I want to share with you the original poem I wrote for my dad. It was very easy for me to write. I just reflected on my childhood and the lessons he taught me. I hope you enjoy my childhood journey.

A Leader of  Leaders

The night was dark and the rain poured down cold, Reminiscing of the past I realized I had grown old. I let time fly by as I was too busy to observe, but you were always there for me and never too busy to give me encouraging words.

Putting another log on the fire I noticed the flames as they sparked,They reminded me of how you lead the family, the flames scattered but never grew apart.

You have a natural way that makes people see you as a leader and for that they listen, you capture their hearts with inspiration and your smile makes them glisten.

When I was just a young boy you told me make my own footsteps in the snow, I wanted to follow exactly in your steps but you sternly looked at me and said, “NO!” “Make your own footsteps in life that is why I gave you your own name. Never follow anyone’s footsteps, never be the same.”

These are words you spoke and with them you have shown me the way, I have created my own path in life and live by the philosophy you say. I thought you only made me feel that special way inside, but others have been caught by your dominating spirit and your impressionable pride.

You are a leader of leaders and your wisdom of words inspires, you are like a success magnet that motivates people to have desire.

Miracles happen every day and to see them makes me glad, but the most spectacular miracle God has ever shared was to give you to me as my Dad.

I love you Poppa!

From a piece of steel you were  forged with fire, a heart made of gold and a spirit filled with desire.

You are the sword of hope for the good in others you seek, you fight the fight of righteousness you are the protector of the weak.

Ready to give your cloak for a needy soul, is what makes you special it’s what makes you whole.

While others may not understand why you use your powers so strong, I believe you use your strength to right what once was wrong.

Keep your courageous sword drawn high with full power and might, continue to be our mighty protector and keep us safe until the morning light.

- Robert Louis Vanelli

When times are tough and disappointments get me down, I can see your shadow next to me reaching out before I touch the ground. As a thank you is about to be said you disappear without a trace, you never look for glory or fame just a simple smile filling my face. You are my source of strength and your words of wisdom inspire, you have given me the gift of Life and a spirit filled with desire. As I  journey through Life thoughts of you are etched in my mind, special moments we have shared will live in me until the end of time. -Robert Louis Vanelli

I wonder what the angels think as they gaze from heaven above,
their hard work known as Destiny brought us together and filled our lives with love.

It wasn’t an easy task for them to accomplish what they have done,
miles apart we had lived before our paths would cross and become one.

When we finally met my heart told my soul you were my perfect mate,
others just called it luck, but we knew Destiny had a little help from a friend named Fate!

- Robert Louis Vanelli

I share this gift for others to find
treasured moments captured eternally in time

Time moves fast but my shutter makes it slow
I seized the miracle of birth And watched it grow

As age sets in life begins to fade
memories developed from a click will forever joyfully be replayed.

Inside each of us there is more than eyes can see, Once we spark our flame of desire,
we ignite our spirit and we become who we are destined to be.
Along the way temptation seeks to silence our inner voice,
Let the chatter of courage  guide our spirit to the unpopular choice.
These choices have built the character of our soul
when our spirit departs our body it is then we become whole.

As I laid my tired body
down in bed to fall asleep,
scattered images started to unfold
as special thoughts of you started to creep.

Oh, how I wished I were back
in your Life once again,
sharing those special moments
we had when you were my closest friend.

A smile came across my face
just thinking of those special times,
my thoughts were deep until the
phone rang it’s forgotten chime.

It was you that called and when
you spoke my pulse started to race,
you said our absence has been too long
meet me at our special place.

As I waited for your lovely
body to walk though my door,
I made a vow never to let you go
and always love you even more.

The door started to open as
your glistening smile entered through,
my heart skipped it’s beat
as you looked at me and said “I Love You”.

We raced with open arms to each other
as our love burst at the seams,
but before we could touch
the alarm rang, it was all a dream.

All alone I felt as a pillow
in my arms just laid,
disappointment entered the blood
as the vision of you started to fade.

For now, that is all
that I have to hold,
but at least I have my thoughts
and with that they never grow old.

As I laid my body down again
a smile entered my face,
wide awake I shall begin my day
and your memories will never be erased.

-Robert Louis Vanelli

Traveling down your troublesome road
you feel alone and afraid,
your friends seem to have taken a different path
but your family is in front of you showing you the way.

When the road of Life takes a turn
for the worst and trouble is abound,
you stop your journey, as you whimper
you fall to the ground.

You look for help and your
friends have turned and walked away,
it is then your family appears
to show you the proper way.

With a vote of confidence
and a sincere pat on the back,
you smile again as you
continue your journey without slack.

It is then you realize that family
will always be there in the end,
family doesn’t mean only by blood
but chosen family that are close friends.

-Robert Louis Vanelli

His determined face hides the
fear he feels inside,
so many people watching
so many people with critical eyes.

His performance shocks the crowd
as he takes the champion down,
a new champion is born
a new champion holds the crown.

As the old champion passes his title
he feels like he’s lost his best friend,
the crowd always demanded more
and when he failed, their clapping came to an end.

The old champion realized that the
new will give the crowd their demands,
but such as Life the cycle must always be
and crowns will continue to change hands.
- Robert Louis Vanelli