Listmates,
It was on Tuesday, May 16th, 1995, five years ago today that my dad passed away. I often find myself thinking about him, bit I did so all day today. I am still surprised at the ache I continue to feel in my heart at his passing. At my wife's urging I wrote this poem for and to him. I was unsure whether to post it to the List, but was encouraged to do so by a cyber friend. So here it is.
Jerry

Five years ago, can it really be true?
It was then we said good-bye to you.
You looked so peaceful there in that bed,
But I can't forget the tears we shed.
It was hard to face, but in truth we knew,
That this was so much better for you.
No pain, no anguish, no more strife,
You were now beginning a much better life.
Although you're beyond the great divide,
I would hope that your heart is full of pride.
Not a day goes by, I'm not thinking of you,
And hope you're approving of what we do.
Dad, I wish that we could talk somehow,
And yet I know you're much happier now.
Until that day when God calls her home.
We'll do all we can to take care of mom,
Memories flow from childhood years,
Sometimes they come with gentle tears.
You sang together when we were young,
Of God's reward when your work was done.
Someday soon we hope and we pray,
She'll leave this life and fly away.
She'll join you with that heavenly throng,
Lifting her voice in glorious song.
Until that day she takes her rest,
I pray dear God, we'll pass the test.
So for now I'll say goodbye,
And on this day, try not to cry.

© 2000, Jerry Ham
e-mail Jerry.Ham@werner-saumweber.de