He’s leaving us
September 19, 2010
My father-in-law, in better days
He’s going away
one breath
one touch
one aching whisper
at a time.
He lies there in that hospital bed
aged a dozen years
in only one.
We don’t know him anymore
this weathered shell
this frailness
this lost look in his eyes.
This man
whose strong hands
once reached for grandchildren
snuggled them close
carried them out the door to ride
on his John Deere tractors.
This home-spun inventor
who crafted one-of-a-kind tools
to make his gardening work
a little easier.
He’s going away
and nobody knows how
to say good-bye.
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13 Comments
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Been there. I know it’s hard. I wish for you whatever you need in these coming days.
holding you all in my thoughts at this sad sad time
I am so sorry, Heather. Peace and love, O
Oh, Heather. Sending hugs and peaceful wishes to you and your loved ones as you witness this step in the cycle of life.
Heather, I am crying right now. For you, for me, for your family, for the very loss that we all feel. The photo and your words say so much to that part of me that knows this is part of the cycle …and yet grieves none-the-less. May you and he and everyone he touched feel peace.
Love and peace to all of you.
love and hugs to you all. he sounds like a wonderful man.
Sending you lots of love, strength and peace. What wonderful words you have for someone who clearly touched your life and many others. Wishing you well.
Heather, This is a beautiful good-bye.
Hugs and may those memories of when he was stronger live on.
Beautiful testament to a dying man! To quote John O’Donohue, Irish Poet & Philosopher: “We have no rituals to protect, encourage and guide us as we cross over into the unknown”. However your lovely poem will hopefully like the proverbial flapping of a butterflies wings spread a gentle loving sensation radiating love out from his frail presence. My God give you strength and comfort at this time and thanks for sharing your love.
thank you for being there with me. I love you
Marcel
this is a beautiful tribute, and a difficult-yet-beautiful (though the beauty part is sometimes only seen in hindsight) time. (says the end-of-life doula)