I didn’t get to say goodbye to my Dad, He was a very quiet man. He smiled a lot and was very kind. You could spend all day with him and he would never say a word. It has taken me a long time to understand him and according to my family, I am a lot like him. So, Dad, this poem is for you.
If there is a heaven, I know that you are there working the fields, watching things grow, and if there is a newspaper, there you are reading it with your morning coffee and your dog by your side.
If there is a heaven, I know that you are there having Sunday dinner with all your family and friends, Homemade biscuits and mashed potatoes, sweet tea and warm apple pie. I can see your smile and hear your laughter.
If there is a heaven, I know that you are there working on your old ’49 Ford pickup truck, Polishing the finish, stepping back and looking with pride at your handiwork.
If there is a heaven, I know it’s filled with people like you, and I know now that you were always there for me. You have taught me that there were many words in your silences now that I know how to listen. You have taught me and guided me for all these years.
I know now that your deeds have stood the test of time that you didn’t leave me without guidance and knowledge. Who you were has helped me be who I am. I know that you were a good man, a good father, and a loving husband. Your silence gave birth to my words.
Goodbye Pops
Point Of View: Every time I see an old truck speeding down a dirt road with a cloud of dust trailing behind it I always smile. While we grow up and become who we are a part of us will always be influenced by those that cared for us and helped us grow up. He truly did influence my life more by what he did than what he said and by the things he left behind.
Beautiful, Larry. There sure is! And it’s filled with hardworking, decent folks like your father. Blessings.
Thank you my dear friend
Larry – Such a touching tribute to your father. Obviously, his actions shaped you because he was a living example of grace. Thanks for sharing this.
I’ll post something for you! Took it driving down the road while my then girlfriend was holding the steering wheel! J Had to put it on DR
Your article is full of support for the need to be an example of good intentions and good actions. Live the way in which you want others to learn to live. Do good and pass it on. Thanks Larry for another thoughtful article.
The odd thing is that he never talked a lot. I learned from watching what he did.
Actions speak louder than words. Do you know the song, “What you are speaks so loud, the world can’t hear what you say”?
Nice, made me remember.
Larry, I know there is a Heaven and your father is a part of it, proved in the book Dreams That Can Save Your Life, that Dr. Larry Burk and I wrote, published by Inner Traditions April 17th. Throughout the 36 stories in the book and during their darkest hours patients saw deceased loved ones in their dreams. Their dead parents, husbands, and children brought them life-saving information that was then validated by pathology reports. In a way, it proves love is something we can take with us.
Amazing!! I will have look into that. Thank you
You are so welcome! I talked about it on the Dr. Oz show.
I’m positive then my wife has seen it she watches Dr. Oz every day
It was titled The Sixth Sense: Shocking Premonitions. Since she is such a big fan f Dr. Oz, if she missed it she can watch it on my website for free. Kathleen Okeefe Kanavos. Click on the link at the top of the page.
Regardless of the parents given us, we need always to remember that we are a part of them and we become who we are. Touching story.
Thank you very much Lynn I appreciate your kind words