. . . in his own words . . .

. . . two years ago today,

my dad passed away . . .

. . . not a day goes by 

that i don't think about him . . .

. . . i miss him so . . .

. . . i shared these words he wrote 

in a post about his funeral, 

but the counsel contained in them 

seems to be just what i need today . . .

. . . so, dad, 

i am remembering you . . .

. . . and i'm trying to 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 me when i am gone away--

and smile.  

 —jack davis