27 August 2010

. . . remember me and smile . . .

. . . when i am gone away . . .


. . . i pray that i might leave . . .


. . . a few who mourn my passing ~ . . .


. . . but not for long . . .


. . . instead of tears and wounded hearts . . .


. . . i would that those who care . . .


. . . might find solace . . .


. . . in the remembrance . . .


. . . that i lived at all! . . .


. . . may i be known for lasting love . . .


. . . of wife, . . .


. . . children, . . .


. . . grandchildren . . .


. . . through whom i yet live! . . .


. . . may i be remembered for service to others, . . .


. . . to my community, . . .


. . . to its children, . . .


. . . to god, father of my spirit . . .


. . . i would be remembered for charity . . .


. . . i have not wished . . .


. . . to be a tinkling bell, . . .


. . . a sounding symbol, . . .


. . . i have loved life and living . . .


. . . i shall love what lies hereafter . . .


. . . may i be remembered . . .


. . . for those good deeds of mine . . .


. . . that showed concern for fellow men . . .


. . . may those who truly care . . .


. . . remember when i am gone away ~ . . .


. . . and smile . . .


~ written by jack davis ~

edit: "remember me and smile" is the title of my dad's autobiography.
it's awesome. so was he!



15 comments:

Goose said...

Very nice tribute Steph.

granny said...

Well, now, I never met your Dad. But that made me cry. What a beautiful post. I'm so sorry for your loss, but what a lot good he accomplished. Thanks. You are the best.

granny said...

Lot *of* good...sorry.

Peg and Parker said...

You "Did Your Papa Proud" as my mom woulda' said. I wish i could have been at the funeral. I was there in spirit and now seeing the pictures, worth a thousand words to me, I feel like I was there. Thanks for this post Steph. I can imagine that it was bittersweet to post, but a huge satisfaction for the wonderful posterity that Jack Davis left behind. I know that after the initial tears flowed as, I read this, at the poets' suggestion, I smiled.

Sassy said...

Stephanie..........this was such a beautiful tribute and honor to your sweet dad and your family.....you can definitely see why you are the special person you are......I never met him but sure feel as if he was mighty special.....well done...

chris+amber said...

i have read this poem many times in the past week and smiled with tears in my eyes. i want to read his book again. good post, mama.

Scraps R Us said...

Wonderful post. Wonderful Memories.
Wonderful Daughter.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful, well done Stephie.

angiedunn said...

oh my, most beautiful post. seems like he touched the hearts of many around him. {just like you do.}

cheryl said...

very sweet post but I had a feeling I should have waited to read it cuz now I have to go fix my eyes. What a great, humble man & great example. He has left a great legacy!

manders said...

oh, gpa jack, i miss you.
thanks, mom.

Unknown said...

The pics of the kids crying / sad faces are making me cry! Sorry to hear about your dad... what a great poem he wrote, and the pics of your mom on the day of his funeral are just perfect & fitting! Also, I can tell you all put together a great display of his life in pictures & collectibles.

With Love, Bobbi said...

Sorry for your loss. I know even as an adult it is hard to loose a parent! He left a beautiful legacy!

Amanda B. said...

I loved your dad! He was such a sweet man!

Unknown said...

oh my Stephanie and family I am so very sorry of your loss
but, it's heavens gain! May he rest in peace with all the angels and Saints till you meet again!
take care!