Papa, I do not even have the words. At the moment you are still hanging on for us, but it is time for you to rest your heart of gold and steel. We love you, and are here for you. You will be missed so very much.
When Pa’s dementia started getting worse, I came over to visit with him once a week. The conversations got shorter over time, but his spirit never did. He was always the same jovial, sweet, funny man as always. The one who would tell me when the international space station was scheduled to fly overhead. The one who loved nothing more than knowing that everyone was enjoying themselves. The man that taught me to fish, to golf, to treat others with respect no matter who they were. I am beyond lucky to have him in my life.
Days alone on banks of spring,
Never once a fish we caught.
But sitting there and talking away.
Taught me more than I’ve ever thought.
Sitting quiet in backyards,
With lights of galaxies old and new.
Still the passing space station flights
Will forever remind me of you.