In Homage to My Grandfather

    My family was finally able to hold a memorial service for my grandfather a couple days ago and I had prepared a poem to read for it and, to my great relief, it was really well received. As is often the case when I write, since I know my ideas aren't always new, I get concerned that my words will come across as cheesy. But anyway, now that the day has passed, I feel it is appropriate to share it here.

Over the last several days I have been writing letters to my grandfather, so that I might feel his presence more fully with each stroke of my pen.

It took a few days of pouring my grief out to him before I could feel the connection between my heart and his soul.
And this is what he shared with me.

I’ll live on in your heart
and speak through your generosity.
I’ll live on in your mind
and speak through your love.

Don’t doubt my presence.
I am embracing each of you
with unbridled love at all times.
I may not be “here”
in a way that you’d easily perceive,
but if you sit quietly
and open your mind to me,
you will know just how close I am.

You may be grieving the fact
that you cannot hug me anymore,
but I assure you that I am holding you.
You may be grieving the fact
that you cannot hear me anymore,
but I assure you that you can speak to me
any time you please, and I will hear you.
You may be grieving the fact
that you cannot see me anymore,
but I can see you.

I can still see you.
I can still hear you.
And I can still love you.

I may be gone,
but you will each keep me alive
in your own way
with your own memories
and with your own heart.

He also says thank you to all of you for adding such richness to his life. For gifting him with such kindness. He’s grateful, truly grateful, for all the ways you showed him your love.

We may not be able to physically resurrect my grandfather, but we can immortalize him by living the way he did.