We'll miss you, Dad

My dad, Bernard, passed away on Tuesday afternoon, August 11th, 2009.  The sadness seems to come and go in waves.  The bible says, in Ecclesiastes, that sadness is good for the heart. Glenda and I were blessed to have been able to spend ten wonderful days with my parents just last month. Oliver was too cute, all smiles, and he found a special place in my Dad's heart.  The little guy loved my Dad's walking canes!  And my Dad loved the fact that he did!  All the easier to snatch him up for a hug and a tickle. The trip was all we could have asked for.

Dad and me (1978)

My wedding day

Just last month

This poem was read during the eulogy at my dad's funeral. 

Miss Me – But Let Me Go

Unknown

 

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little – but not too long

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared,

Miss me – but let me go.

 

For this is a journey that we all must take

And each must go alone.

It’s all a part of the Master’s plan,

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart

Go to the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Miss Me – But Let Me Go!

 

I’ve found a new place where I can be free

I’ve found a whole new beginning just made for me

I know only peace and I never feel pain

Days are full of sunshine and never rain

I’m no longer old; I’ve recovered my youth

and all of my dreams have become my truth

I can smile, I can laugh, I can walk, and I can run

I can hear every whisper, I can see past the sun

My Body is whole and my mind is so clear

I know all the answers and I’m freed from all fears

 

I know why you mourn me; I see how you weep

Your heart’s full of aching from a love that was deep

And I’m so grateful for loved ones that hold me so dear

but remember, I’ve found a better place here

I will be there beside you, always nearby

so don’t mourn me for long; nor forever cry

And whenever your sorrow bears down on your heart

think not of my ending, but of my new start

for on earth there’s no joy that I’d ever see

to compare to the joy of God smiling at me.