I love you Dad

My dad asked me to write him a poem years ago for Fathers day and I struggled with it because my parents had divorced when I was four. With my sisters help we put together a poem that year 1986

Father’s day 1986-Dad’s death 2006

When I was small, you held my hand and said what's there to fear
Looking up at you; I thought I saw a tear

I was young so little then I didn't understand
That you weren't just a daddy, but also a man

Horsey rides, hide-n-seek, the games we used to play
These are not forgotten; they've just gone away

The afternoons at Palmer Park, Belle Isle and the zoo
And Stevens Street, remember that, well I remember too

The memories of years gone by mean more than you could know
The greatest gift you gave to me, was never letting go

***************************************************

The heart attack they managed the stroke's what took you down
They hooked you to a ventilator, your family circled round

Days passed and you awoke, for yes, your head moved up and down
You squeezed my hand and crossed your legs but never made a sound

On command you squeezed my hand, then you wiggled your toes
You squeezed my hand so hard this time, dad you wouldn't let it go

Another week went by your prognosis wasn't good
It wasn't my decision dad but she made sure I understood

She said it would be for the best to put you in Gods hands
Remove the tubes that interfered with your eternal plans

*****************************************************

They're calling you home dad and I can't let go
Your mom and dad will meet you, this I know

When I was small you held my hand and said what's there to fear
Looking up at you I knew that you were always near

I was young so little then I didn't understand
That you weren't just a dad but part of Gods plan

Horsey rides, hide-n-seek the games we used to play
I wish you could tell me if you want to go or stay

The memories of years gone by mean more than you could know
The greatest gift you gave to me was never letting go

Is the greatest gift I give to you the gift of letting go?
It hurts me so to do it Dad, more than you could know

Peggy Gildon 1/08

 

Author's Note

The first part was the poem we wrote in 1986 the second part was his illness and the last part his death. He was taken off of life support against my wishes even after he woke up and could move every part of his body. I had to respect his wifes decision but I have a regret that when he woke up I didn't ask him what he wanted...

Reviews

[FamaSemperVivat]

I know the pain of finally letting go, my time with my dad was everything to me, he was the one who made sure I was healthy and happy, I'm glad I was there for him throughout his battle with cancer, I had a chance to pay him back for all the times I went to him when I was young, he would come to me with his pain to seek a source of ease. I think it's because I had become an EMT that he felt safe to have my aid, and that he didn't want to burden mom with it.
We had many special moments just months before he passed, that I will cherish forever.

[Laughing-Bear]

My Dear Writing Friend Peggy,
A beautiful poem that shown your depth of love for your father and as well the healing that has taken place in your life. A beautiful tribute that I would think your father has heard whispered on heavens winds.

Blessings, Laughing-Bear

[Samuel Dickens]

I think the important thing here is that you loved your father, stood by him, and had his best intersts in mind. I've had similar problems with family members who made decisions that I wasn't too keen on. We'll all cross that valley one day, and maybe then absolute peace will be found.

[Cecelia]

Fathers are special people..especially to little girls...Am glad you have some good ones to balance the ending ... Enjoyed reading your journey though painful..An important part should be to remind us of the need for living wills or at least making sure someone knows without a doubt our wishes.

[Maya Storm]

My favorite line, right here >>>"That you weren't just a daddy, but also a man" I always thought of my parents as super human and I never really saw them as mere mortals. I really get that :)

I am truly sorry for your lose... but Peggy you were loved :), you couldn't write this way if you weren't I can feel it in this piece alone.

Beautiful words and a wonderful tribute :)

[Inyourshadow]

I love the honesty of this open hearted piece and truly believe many will share this pain and these memories of loved ones, you truly ccapture the journey from childhood to adulthood holding his hand and he your heart. Regrets will always haunt us but we must remember the smiles and not the tears. Beautiful poem, keep em' coming

[John Faulkner]

Such a sad piece, but written beautifully, with grace and dignity.You seem to be a loving daughter..I am so sorry for your loss..Bless you


JOHN

[Poet Cheryl]

This is very beautifully written and very sad Peggy. I lost my Dad in 2008 and I could feel your pain while I read this. I think we always have regrets, no matter the circumstanses of the death of a loved one. I was living in Orlando when my Dad died in Alabama and my greatest regret was not visiting him one last time. It's really hard to put into words how a daughter feels about her Dad but I think you have done a wonderful job with this write.

[L]

touching tribute Peggy; nice piece

[Verslayer]

This is pure love from a wonderful daughter to her father....the hardest things in life are letting go of someone you love. Let me paste a few golden quotes about letting go so they may well help you? I had a few tears reading this Peggy.
Rob~

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” – Headstone

"There are things that we never want to let go of, people we never want to leave behind. But keep in mind that letting go isn’t the end of the world, it’s the beginning of a new life.” – Unknown

“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” – Lao Tzu

“We need in love to practice only this: letting each other go. For holding on comes easily–we do not need to learn it.” – Rainer Maria Rilke