The Way You Used To Be

Don’t let me forget the way you used to be,
But as time goes on it becomes harder you see
You’re lost to this world and it doesn’t include me.
Days turn into months, months into years
for the children to forget you becomes my greatest fear.

You led them on adventures so bold

with all of the wonderful stories you told
of Spook Hill and hoot owls and of the Great War,
of mountains you passed and beaches you crossed.
You taught them about hope in days filled with pain.

You taught them to look for sunshine

in days filled with rain.
You gave these stories with not a thought

to the bonds you were making
these days will never be forgot.

You taught a love of life as the years traveled on
and to never lose hope on that ship coming in.
You taught them about hard work

and a love for the land.
You became their hero-on this we can depend.

Though ten long years have gone by,

they can still remember,
I see it in their eyes.
You showed them strength of spirit,

you fought a great fight
then you saw the angels

and were led into the light.

Rest in peace-daddy, watch over us now
Good-bye is never easy

but we will never forget
The way you used to be…..

-Dedicated to my father and read at his funeral.