Dad, We Miss You SO!

Good morning.  Ten years ago today, my Dad left his earthly home.  For ten years we have missed him terribly.   He left us with a lifetime of wonderful memories.  His love for us was huge, and so was ours for him.  We were blessed beyond measure to have had him.  He was truly, a great man.  I wrote this poem and read it at his memorial.  I have never shared it  again.  But today, I will share it here, as we spend today with family, remembering the finest man I have ever known.  Rest easy Daddy.  I will see you again.

                                                                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 bottom
When I was acting naughty
Then wiped the tears rolling down my cheeks
And hugged me to his body

My little hand, fit snug inside
His hand so big and warm
He helped me safely across the street
To keep me safe from harm

I see his hands, as they open the door
To come into the kitchen
He kisses 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 too loud
And the loving hand that patted our back
That told us he was proud

The hand of generosity
He taught us so much about giving
The example he set for each one of us
To pay it forward here on earth while we're living

Hands that held me, steady and strong
In times of heartache and sorrow
Hands that embraced me, hugged me close
Made me look forward to every tomorrow

These hands had so much they wanted to do
So much they had already done
They did them with wisdom, humility and grace
This Father, this Husband, this Brother and Son

These hands that I held, through darkness and light
With a heart that was heavy with grieving
These hands said to me, "Don't 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
With a love that will be everlasting

October 27, 2003
By Kristy