Dear Grandpa

Grandpa I just wanted you to know.
That Ive been thinking about everything youve ever said.
And Ill love you more than life itself.
Long after both of us are dead.

Now that Im finally older.
Ive fully appreciated all that youve done.
Even when everyday this world seems colder.
Its all worth while to know Im your grandson.

The day you were in the crash.
I wondered if youd still be the
grandfather I knew.
It all happened in such a flash.
But when it was all over you were still you.

Youve conquered every obstacle in life.
I only hope I will be as strong.
Even with the past year being such strife.
Nothing about you is gone.

When I think about what youve achieved.
I realize that a life isnt something to waste.
Even when no one else believed.
You stood true to the problems you faced.

I regret all the movies I ever skipped.
Or the dinners we never went to.
When it was your life that almost slipped.
I couldnt think of how I could ever thank you.

You taught me what family really was.
Youre the closest thing to a father Ive ever had.
Thats what family really does.
Youre still my only knowledge of a dad.

My biggest fan at every game.
Since I put on a helmet in 1st grade.
You constantly shouted my name.
Even after the play was made.

You never let me forget.
That I could do whatever I wanted to do.
Told me not to live life with regret.
That there was nothing I couldnt make it through.

There is one thing I will always regret.
And thats not taking the time to stop and tell you I love you.
Youre the one roll model in my life I will never forget.
Sorry these words have been so long overdue.

But when you told me that you didnt think youd live much longer.
I was scared for everything Ive ever wanted to say.
I tried to be stronger.
But these feelings couldnt wait another day.

(c) JP 2006