I got the call a few days ago that my dad had died. I drove about a thousand miles to be with my family and to attend the funeral service. I have until now, never attended a service where there was no body of casket. Since he asked to be cremated there was only an urn filled with his ashes. Dad had been suffering from dementia for the last few years and had Alzheimers as well as a rare form of Parkinsons Disease. My sister said a few weeks ago he had dreamed that he had earned a check for $200 but he had lost it. He had spent much of his day looking for it and she had patronized him by helping look for it. When he spotted a paper napkin, he announced he had found it, Scooping it up, my sister scooped it up and put it in her purse, announcing that she would deposit it into his account . Then he asked that when she did that, would she please bring him back $50 so he would have some cash to spend? It cost her $50 bucks to play his little game which begs the question; who was the most clever after all?
I wrote the following poem as a tribute to my dad. It was added to the ceremony program and was attached as a part of the guestbook. It pretty much sums up my feelings and sentiments towards my dad better than I could say in any other way.
My father was a pipeline man
who traveled with the crew;
digging ditches, fitting pipe.
every day was new.
He welded seams with expertise
as X-rays sure would tell;
Rugged and hard working man.
supplied his family well.
He had the praise of all the men
who worked along his side.
To hear them brag about my dad
filled my heart with pride.
His hands were rough and calloused,
and face was weather-swept
Yet he told us bedtime stories
just before we slept.
A Colorado cowboy type
and "maverick" kind of guy
with a heart as big as Texas
or the great Montana sky.
With Silverado welding rig
he traveled in such style
Layin' skid and stringer beads,
mile after mile.
So next time you go to fill your tank
or put petrol in a can
Remember who you have to thank
is really my "old man"!
It is my birthday today but I do not feel in very much a celebrative mood. ...steve
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read more blogs!
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Blogs by wordsenchanting:
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aimee23874
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Nov 14 @ 12:54AM
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i am sorry for your loss.
may god bless and keep you now in your time of need.
i wish you peace and understanding.
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Jessica9284
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Nov 14 @ 12:55AM
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Aww, im sorry...nothing can ease your pain, but try to rest assured he is in a better place. 
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JimNastics
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Nov 14 @ 12:58AM
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My deepest & most sincere condolances.
I too have lost a father to death. It sucks.
Be thankful for all the time you got together and all you have
learned from him. His legacy lives on within you and your sister.
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ash_is_unforgetable
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Nov 14 @ 1:01AM
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Beatiful poem you wrote for you father, take care- AsH
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RogueSailor
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Nov 14 @ 1:06AM
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My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I could not stay another day -
To laugh, to love, to work, or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that peace at the close of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Fill it now with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh. a kiss;
Oh yes, these things I, too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow -
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times,
A loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief
Lift up your hearts, and peace to thee -
God wanted me now...He set me free.
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sybnann
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Nov 14 @ 1:06AM
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I am sorry you are in pain now. It's a beautiful poem and I hope it helped you to write it. It always helps me. Take care dear 
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Classy_Blonde
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Nov 14 @ 1:17AM
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Bittersweet.
I smiled through my sadness. I'll bet that game was worth every penny.
Happy birthday.
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ChipP
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Nov 14 @ 1:28AM
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Sorry for your loss...
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beckyiv42000
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Nov 14 @ 1:39AM
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Wordsenchanting..
My deepest condolences .. such poetic beauty at such a solemn time absolutely wonderous
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cartay25
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Nov 14 @ 1:41AM
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So sorry for your lose and the poem is a very lovely tribute to your father. May you always have the memories to help you carry on.
Best wishes and my deepest condolences
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Journeyhawk
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Nov 14 @ 1:47AM
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As one human being to another, I want to convey my deepest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your beloved father. The poem you have written is a beautiful loving tribute in memory of him.
Even though I do not know you, I would like to share this beautiful poem written by an unknown author. I hope in some small way it will be a comfort to you.
If I Could...
If I could catch a rainbow
I would do it just for you
And share with you its beauty
On the days you're feeling blue.
If I could build a mountain
You could call your very own
A place to find serenity
A place to be alone.
If I could take your troubles
I would toss them in the sea
But all these things I'm finding
Are impossible for me.
I cannot build a mountain
Or catch a rainbow fair
But let me be what I know best:
A friend that's always there.
I am also sending a very special hug your way - to celebrate what's left of your special day.
Happy Birthday, and have many many more.
Always,
The 'Hawk'
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warrior674
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Nov 14 @ 1:50AM
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Sorry to hear that. 
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aniana
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Nov 14 @ 1:53AM
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That is so sad. That was beautiful. I am so sorry.
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sweet5red
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Nov 14 @ 3:02AM
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hes at peace... someday you will all be together again...
pat green
Dixie Lullaby
My father had skin like leather
hands like steel
from a lifetime spent in the cottonfields
though hed come home tired and dirty
almost everynight
he found the strength to smile at me and hold my mama tight
while that old transister radio would play the opry out in the hall
id sit and watch their shadows glide across the wall
and theyd dance to a dixie lullaby
picture of love beneath the southern sky
oh my what a beautiful life
just like a dixie lullaby
i left home at 18
in a hand me down chevrolet
packed my mamas goodness and my old mans stubborn ways
it was college, work, and love
then the babies came
the youngest ones got his grandaddy's name
and in the early morning hours when my children could not sleep.
i'd rock them in my arms to a simple beat
and id sing them a dixie lullaby
hush baby dont you start to cry
oh my what a beautiful life
just like a dixie lullaby
my father was a mountain of a man
that was the description that i gave
the morning that we laid him in his grave
there with my mama by his side, we said our last goodbye
to a man we thought would never die
as i stood there in the fields of amazing grace
oh how the tears ran down my face.
and i sang him a dixie lullaby
well meet again, by and by
oh my what a beautiful life
just like a dixie lullaby
oh my what a beautiful life
just like a dixie lullaby
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ShieldofHonor
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Nov 14 @ 3:41AM
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I understand how you feel, since I lost my Mom a few years ago.
You'll be in all our thoughts.
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KittyNation
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Nov 14 @ 3:46AM
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I'm so sorry for your loss. Though your father may be gone physically he will live on forever in your heart and memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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OctoberMyst
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Nov 14 @ 4:07AM
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Thank you so very much for sharing your treasured thoughts of your Dad! He was a very lucky man to have been loved so much! I truly hope the sweet memories of the wonderful times the two of you shared will comfort you during this most difficult time. My heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathy are with you. Please take care of yourself and remember that you are not alone...your precious Dad will always be right there in your heart. And, though many of us "here" do not know you, we care!
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ghost50
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Nov 14 @ 4:59AM
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A very nice poem and tribute to your father!!!  I am sorry for your loss - it is tough to say "goodbye" to a parent.. Especially on ones birthday!!! May your future birthdays be much happier!!! And may you make $50 extra, before you leave this earth!!! 
Please have as good a day as you possibly can... 
Ghost50
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UnicornLover1962
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Nov 14 @ 6:12AM
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no words can express the sorrow of losing a loved one.
my heart feels for you, my poet friend.
huggles and love
mel
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melissa2
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Nov 14 @ 6:31AM
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i am sorry, i know how you feel..........
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lilofval
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Nov 14 @ 6:33AM
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I'm so very sorry for your loss
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sciurusniger
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Nov 14 @ 7:18AM
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I'm so sorry....
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countrygirl77
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Nov 14 @ 7:19AM
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Steve,
I am so sorry for your loss. Try not to be sad, just ask yourself what would your dad say to you? He wouldn't want you to be sad that his life here on earth ended, he would want you to remember the wonderful times that you had together, and keep on living each moment to the fullest. I know I don't know your dad. I truly believe that when people leave this world that is the way they feel, for their love one. God bless you and let God take care of you.
love in Christ,
Tanya
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countrygirl77
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Nov 14 @ 7:21AM
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Oh, I'm sorry, I also wanted to say Happy Birthday. Even though your dad may not be here in person, he is with you in your heart. Remember the good times you two had together on your previous birthdays. God bless.
love in Christ,
Tanya
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Sweetheart83446
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Nov 14 @ 7:23AM
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Sorry for your loss .
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twotall911
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Nov 14 @ 7:23AM
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sorry for your loss but have a good birthday and remember the happy times
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bamastyle
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Nov 14 @ 7:25AM
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I am so sorry, you are in my prayers
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Americanbred
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Nov 14 @ 7:29AM
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Steve, be strong be brave Cherish the memories you have all good and bad. Your ords were written with feeling, it shows your dad brought you up well. I have a tear as I have a very ill father here in the UK living with me. Every day is a trial for me. They say God only gives us what we can handle, it sure seems I am doing allot of handling these days. Stay strong and Happy birthday.
americanbred in Liverpool. England
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tjwitch747
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Nov 14 @ 7:42AM
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I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I know you've heard it before, but your memories will keep him in your heart. Treasure them.
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sunsamza
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Nov 14 @ 7:44AM
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My sister said a few weeks ago he had dreamed that he had earned a check for $200 but he had lost it. He had spent much of his day looking for it and she had patronized him by helping look for it. When he spotted a paper napkin, he announced he had found it, Scooping it up, my sister scooped it up and put it in her purse, announcing that she would deposit it into his account . Then he asked that when she did that, would she please bring him back $50 so he would have some cash to spend? It cost her $50 bucks to play his little game which begs the question; who was the most clever after all?
That was brilliant....I loved that story!!!
Dementia is awful but I had to chuckle because my Mother has it and they can say and do some strange, off the wall & funny things.
It's amazing how the mind works and what happens to it....
I am very sad for your loss. Your tribute to your Father was really nice!
On a happier note....HAPPY BIRTHDAY
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whatagal
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Nov 14 @ 7:57AM
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I am sorry for your loss.
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poniepower
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Nov 14 @ 8:07AM
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Steve I'm so very sorry for you loss hon.
I know we both suffer a different kind of loss, but it's still a horrible loss and it still hurts like hell!!
I read here "he's in your heart, remember the good times, etc", but it takes time. You take ALL THE TIME YOU NEED for youself to remember those good times. I've found for myself, they don't come easily. I'm so very sorry that your birthday now probably has a different meaning to you.
It's been almost 20 mths and I still can't find very many "happy memories".
We have to get past the grief 1st to make it to the good memories.
It takes time, and what more do we have, but time....time to heal!
My thoughts and prayers are with you hon,
God Bless you and your family,
Jini
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WSOR
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Nov 14 @ 8:07AM
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What a wonderful poem from the heart in his honor. My deepest condolences & prayers go out to you.
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anaugustrose
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Nov 14 @ 8:08AM
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Sorry for your lose. The poem is a really nice gift. Bless you and your family.
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blkfoot1954
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Nov 14 @ 8:17AM
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What a beautiful tribute your poem was for your Father.I am sorry for your loss
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ladykay488
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Nov 14 @ 8:22AM
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It is hard to lose those you love. When my dad died he was buried one day and my birthday was the next day, I know what you are feeling and I am so sorry for your lost. He will always live in your heart.
Happy Birthday!
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iceagehottie
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Nov 14 @ 8:33AM
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My prayers are with you and your family...and happy birthday....
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azgirl701
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Nov 14 @ 8:36AM
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sorry for your loss godbless you your in are prayers here on MD
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Juday470
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Nov 14 @ 9:02AM
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I'm sorry for loss. I'll pray for your Dad
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lazareth
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Nov 14 @ 9:19AM
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Bless your heart Words,
In my prayers
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HighlandsLass
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Nov 14 @ 10:02AM
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So sorry for you loss-- it was painful to me to realize that in the face of deep loss, life continues, seemingly ignorant, and totally unabated. Sometimes seems the world should stop and grieve, if only for a moment. You and yours are in my heart and prayers, but I hope you make what you will of your birthday-- it's your day, after all, to use as you will, as you can.
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redtigr
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Nov 14 @ 10:16AM
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It is often even more difficult than we thought to lose our loved one to Alzheimer's or dementia - and be unable to grieve. Then when actual physical death comes we experience the tremendous flood of emotion that has been held back.
My heartfelt condolences on your loss.
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cancun1999
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Nov 14 @ 10:20AM
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My sincere condolence in the lost of your father..I know what you must be going through, because I too lost my father..That was a lovely poem you wrote..God Bless you dear friend..
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observed50
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Nov 14 @ 10:22AM
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Highlands captures the sense in which loss makes us want to see the world stop, at least for a moment, and recognize a passing of someone we feel important to how the world itself even turns...
I'm sure you're both saddened, and fighting a sense of relief that comes when a loved other is battling other health issues that have greatly deteriorated their life. My mom died of cancer, after a 3 yr. battle, and after the initial shock to my system, I had to acknowledge that for her, death was a gift.
The tribute of the poem is easily understandable by those who knew your 'ol man' as being about him, because of the incorporation of his work-life into the poem. I'm sure it was a gift to family and others to have you put in words some of what others were probably feeling.
Good luck with your grieving and healing path. This is one of their last teaching moments...when you finally have to let go of primary parents to go on down the road without their hand...only their voice.
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CPUfan
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Nov 14 @ 10:34AM
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THANKS for your openness WordsEnchanting - you live up to the name in your writing. I've lived in anguish of the passing of my parents for years. They continue to reassure me with their presence and good health, but I guess one way or the other, we all leave this world as orphans.
I hope when the day comes, if it comes to me first, I can display the same great dignity and depth as you do in facing the day.
So GREAT RESPECT for your description of your Dad's life from both sides of the Atlantic! You give inspiration. Cheers Pete (UK :o)
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American_Woman
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Nov 14 @ 10:52AM
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I lost my father in 2001 and I miss him so much. I'm so sorry for your loss.
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Tunes4u
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Nov 14 @ 11:55AM
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It is difficult.....and bittersweet too......yet......
It's not the end of the book.....it's the begining of a new chapter.
Just as it was when his Father died.
And his Father
And his...
A wonderful poem and a sweet story.
Peace to you and yours....
Tunes
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armybear
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Nov 14 @ 12:28PM
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God be with you and yours!
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Kat_luvr
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Nov 14 @ 1:24PM
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Happy Birthday Sweety.
Your poem made me cry. I am sorry for your loss. Just know he is no longer battling the demons of his disorders.
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hoftner
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Nov 14 @ 1:38PM
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EternalFlame
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Nov 14 @ 1:55PM
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That was a beautiful poem...thank you for sharing it, and your story as well.
My thoughts are with you.
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KUPUNA
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Nov 14 @ 2:57PM
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Such a touching poem. So sorry for your loss.
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theblessedone
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Nov 14 @ 3:18PM
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My father suffered from Alzheimer's at the time of his death...
Wonderful words of tribute to your dad. Gentle thoughts to you.
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luvshorses644
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Nov 14 @ 8:07PM
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S... your dad was a character even that one last time.... as you said,indeed who was most clever?
I am sorry that he will not be here to yet continue his cleverness with you all. But in each of you he has left a part of him. His storytelling was a part of a gift he left with you and you have honed it to a fine wordsmithing talent and gifted his departure in a mnner he would have enjoyed.
He lives on S.. in each of you and is always just a touch of a hand to your heart away ..in the breeze you feel upon your neck.. in the moisture of the cool morning. Those that have left the pain of this world behind wait for those they love.
And S... your dad would have hoped your birthday would instill yet another memory to your bank.. and I wish you comfort on your day.
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missliss78
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Nov 14 @ 10:57PM
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My deepest condolences to you in the loss of your father.
Thank you for sharing your tribute to him with us.
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carpediem48
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Nov 16 @ 4:43AM
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Your poem touched me....beautiful...
My sincere condolences 
He sounds like 'quite' a man
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NICEMAN197
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Nov 16 @ 12:08PM
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ok
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carnalsins
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Nov 24 @ 12:04AM
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My condolences.
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