My dad has passed away. He joked once last fall that he was going to be around in March to prove those doctors wrong that only gave him a few days or months to live. He made it to the first of March and then passed away in his sleep.
BUT I’m back home for the funeral tomorrow.
I found out a few days ago that I’m going to speak at the funeral. SO I’m going to read a poem. I wrote my dad a poem many years ago and when I went to find it in my files and read it over again … it wasn’t quite right. I rewrote parts of it and now I think it works. This is it.
My Father’s Gift
Like a falconer
you released me
to soar in the heights,
supporting me
just by being there.
And like a hawk
returning to its master
I return to you.
You once gave me
a freedom to dream–
to dare to do
anything my heart desired.
You have given me
the sky.
I return
but you are no longer there.
My tethers are gone,
you have given me my freedom
to fly amongst the stars,
shining with the light
of your love.
I’ve been praying for you and your dad since I first heard about his cancer. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your beautiful poem is a lovely tribute to your relationship and would make me bawl. Your dad may be gone from here, but he will always be in your heart. Hugs for you! Thank you for being brave and updating us. I know it must have been difficult to write.
Thank you. It was.
I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow as you read, Jena. I’m wishing you peace and strength.
Thank you.
What a beautiful tribute to your father. I’m very sorry for your loss, dear Jena. Much love to you and yours.
Thank you Marsha.
So very sorry for our loss, Jena. Your poem is lovely. May you find comfort in your memories of your dad.
Thank you.
Wishing you strength and many precious memories to get you through this difficult time and beyond. Imagine the smile on your dad’s face when you read your beautiful poem of tribute!
Thank you.