"Farewell to Dad"

My Aunt Laura sent out this email to members of my family this evening.
It rings true.

We wanted all our family, friends and loved ones to know that on, April 28th, 2007, we said our last Goodbyes to Dad.

Our immediate family gathered at Delmer Cemetery at 11 am for a time of remembrance and prayer of committal. Please pass on this notice to any of our family who I don't have e-mail access to.

The 4 of us girls and Joy miss Dad very much, but were reminded by Jim Rowbottom that because of our "Hope" we will be reunited again, not only with Dad, but to our loved ones who have gone before.

Dad was one of the best listeners! (if he could hear you in the first place!) Some of you might know that on special occasions, I would write little poems and Dad would be my "sounding-board". If he liked it, I felt sure I had done well.

Below is a little poem which I hope would have pleased him.


Farewell to Dad

I don't believe in poems
For the one who's passed away.
But I do believe the message
For those who are here today.

We know Dad was a worker...
And patience he'd display.
We know if Dad were standing here
He'd have "not much" to say.

But what would Dad be telling us
If he were to have a say
I'm sure he'd say, "Get right with God, and please do not delay"
"Because we're not assured of time, and know not when He'll say,"

"Your time on earth is over now,
I know your heart 'tis true,
If you believed like Grandpa did
A reward will come to you.
But if your heart has hardened,
And you didn't "give a care"
My Home in Glorious Heaven, I cannot really share!"

So now it's up to all of us
To listen and obey,
And know that God's own precious Son
Is the One and only Way.

Let's not forget Dad's final words
Amidst our grief and pain,
The wave, the smile, the phrase well said,
"Until we meet again!"

It gives me great comfort knowing that Dad is in Heaven, as happy as can be! This day has been harder than I ever expected it to be, but I too have "Hope".