Dad

Grampie
November 13, 1932- June 9,2001

When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile,
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And only remember the smile
Forget unkind words I have spoken;
Remember some good I have done.
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I’ve had loads of fun.
Forget that I’ve stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way.
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day.
Then forget to grieve for my going,
I would not have you sad for a day,
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay,
And come in the shade of evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west.
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best.

Yesterday was my Dad's birthday, well still is in Canada. I thought about him all day and thought it was really nice when I went on facebook this morning and saw that my niece, Sara had posted the above picture and poem that was read at his funeral, on her facebook page. That poem so perfectly suited him (well except perhaps the flower bit, I'm thinking I got my green thumb, or lack of, from him!) and as I read it today, I have to admit I got pretty choked up. I miss him a lot and while some days it feels like I'm starting to forget small things about him, other days a funny little memory will come to me at the weirdest time and it'll feel like he's never left. Like the other day when I was opening a thing of sardines for Jesse (his favorite treat!) and I thought about how we would wrap sardines and stuff them in Dad's stocking at Christmas and Dad would be as happy with those on Christmas morning as a child who just got their favorite toy from Santa! I told Jesse that he takes after his Ginkie when it comes to sardines;) It's definitely hard to believe that it's been 7 years since he passed away. I sometimes wonder what he would have to say about me living in Australia and honestly, it can make me laugh out loud at times, imagining him talking about it! Dad definitely had a way of putting things! Hopefully, he's still with us in some way, and keeping an eye on all of us! Dad, you are surely missed!