I wrote this poem, in honor of my Dad, and read it at his memorial service. He passed away on October 27th, 2003. He was so much to so many. He was my knight in shining armor, and I miss him so. My Mom says, he was the architect of our lives. And he was. Fall has always been my very favorite time of the year. But with fall's arrival, it brings the painful memories of losing my Dad. I am beginning to enjoy this season again. It is bittersweet. He is never far from my thoughts, and always in my heart.
PS His nickname for me was "Mouse."
These Hands
These hands that held my bottle
And rocked me in the night
When I was just a baby
These hands would hold me tight
Hands that spanked my bum
When I was acting naughty
Then wiped the tears from my cheeks
And hugged me to his body
My little hand, fit snug inside
His hand so big and warm
That helped me safely cross the street
To keep me safe from harm
I see his hands, as they open the door
To come into the kitchen
He kisses my Mom
Says "How was your day?"
"What smells so good, is that dinner you're fixing?"
A hand that shook his finger in warning
When we would get rowdy and loud
And the loving hand that patted our back
That told us that he was proud
The hand of generosity,
That taught us so much about giving
The example he set for each one of us
To pay if forward here on earth while we're living
Hands that held me up
Steady and strong, in times of heartache and sorrow
Hands that embraced me, and hugged me so close
And made me excited for every tomorrow
These hands had so much they wanted to do
And so much that they'd already done
They did them with wisdom, humility and grace
This father...this husband....this brother...this son
These hands that I held, through darkness and light
While my heart was heavy with grieving
These hands said to me, "Don't you worry my Mouse"
"Don't cry, I'm really not leaving"
For I am still here, I'll live in your heart
And remind you in each day that is passing
That we have been blessed, this family of ours,
And our love will be everlasting
Written with love for my Dad, October 30, 03
5 hours ago
15 comments:
Hi Kristy.......I have too have been thinking about your Dad.....and you're right......he meant so much to so many! Your poem says so much! I still have tears in my eyes when I read it - he was one of those very special people that we were blessed to call our friend. We REALLY miss him!
Mom I remember the day of you reading this poem. I can picture Papa so vividily in your words. I remember so much about this time of year also when he was sick. The smells, the smell of ash from fires, I hated seeing him that way. I miss him too. Like you said he is close in our hearts & never far. He would be so proud of us all & how expanded our loving family has come. And of you & Dad for being the amazing Granparents you are.
Jer's mom passed away November 22nd 2003 also, this time of year is also very hard for him. Thinking of you both very much.
What beautiful sentiments. I don't know how you got through reading that at the memorial service. I also love Erika's thoughts and memories. Hugs to you from across the miles!
I too remember you reading these precious words at Don's funeral, the flood gates opened for all of us with tears! Your words describe him exactly & to me and my sisters, we have always been & will be forever grateful for he was the MOST GENEROUS MAN to us and of course many!!! I love that Aunt Diane says he was the architect of your lives, so true!!! He is so missed, even after all these yrs. but he is living thru ALL OF YOU and it's more and more evident to see that! I have a song on my IPOD that every time it comes on I think of YOU, it's "dance with my father" from Celine Dion. I'm sure you have heard it, but when I listen to the words I think of you singing it about you, your Mom, & Dad!!!! May this season fill your heart with the Spirit of Your DAD!!!
Oh Kris, your poem moved me to tears. I can feel the love you had for him and can tell what a wonderful dad he must have been...I love that you have such wonderful memories of him. He sounds like someone I would have truly loved to have known. Blessings as you go through this season remembering and honoring him, Debbie
Okay that is an amazing poem and by the time I was done reading it, I could barely see through my tears. Then I read everyone's comments and there were more tears. I don't know how you got through that poem but I'm sure he heard it. I think he'd be very proud of you all today, you have an amazing family.
I remember not wanting to read it. I don't like public speaking. There were hundreds of people there, I don't remember much...but I remember that my girls came up to the podium to give me support. And somehow, I got through it. He was truly a one of kind man. Remarkable really.
Thank you all, for your kind words!
What a beautiful tribute to your father. I also lost my Dad in the fall (September 30, 1989), so it's particularly meaningful to me right now as well.
Well you made me cry. That is a beautiful poem, written so well. I remember you reading at your dad's service, I also cried then. I remember all the times I got to accompany your family on trips to your parents house. I loved going over there. Your dad was so nice and so fun to be around. I'm sure this time of year is difficult, but you seem to be doing great. Stay positive! Love you!
Kris, you brought tears to my eyes! What a beautiful poem and way to remember such a special man in your life! Beautiful!
Oh Mom, I just read your post and am also in tears now. I too have been thinking about Papa often. I always do, but especially lately with this season and Don's wedding approaching. I'll never forget standing beside you when you read your beautiful poem. It really does speak volumes about the kind of man and father and Papa that he was. We are all so blessed to have loved him. And he's right, our love is forever lasting.
I love you.
What a beautiful tribute to your dad, Kris. Thank you for sharing with us.
Kris,
I remember when you read that poem and between my own sobs wondering how you did it. You are always in my daily thoughts, but you are especially in my thoughts this month. I love you my friend.
Maryrose,
Just as I am in your thoughts, you are in mine. As I know that it is also the time of year you lost your Dad too.
And I love you, my friend!!!
Oh my goodness, that was so wonderful to read. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hugs,
Serena
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