Grandpa

Growing up you were always there
Each and every day showing me that you cared.

Spoiling me every chance that you had.
Letting me know that is okay to be sad.

After school, you checked on us day after day,
Listening to every word we had to say.

Each moment we spent together
Will be special to me forever.

Days spent shopping or mowing
Were as precious as when it was snowing.

My best memories are those at the time of year
When we decorated for Christmas with care.

The family would gather to feast
Which now happens the least.

Christmas magic soared through the air
While you taught me how to share.

Thirteen years I kept you in my sight.
Now all I can do is hold the memories tight.

The day your soul drifted high
My heart knew, and all I could do was cry.

A half hour later, I was pulled out of class
To find my mom in a state of distress.

When my eyes met hers.
We both broke down into tears.

I have spent five years trying to put it in my past
And now in college I have come to peace with it at last.

A part of my heart left with you.
The part that told me what to do.

Once at college, I became confused and lost.
I went to the church where God I sought.

God told me something I did not know.
I have your hand on my shoulder telling me where to go.

I once thought the part of me that went with you
Was lost forever and would not be put to good use.

I now realize that I never lost part of my soul.
I simply shared it with you to keep us whole.

You watched over me while you were here
And I know that you will watch over me from up there.

Grandpa, to me you meant the world.
Now with you I can live in the world.

A sign of Christmas and peace is the dove.
You taught me that to have peace one must have love.

Therefore with love one can have peace.
Together, we will indulge in life - God's feast.

My love for you, Grandpa, will soon project
Into the love you will help me use to protect.