A Little Easier to Bear

 

I sat in your chair this afternoon

Autumn leaves falling softly around me

Like golden teardrops from the heavens

Dad, Why did you have to leave us so soon?

 

The finches and robins wait patiently

For you to come outside and toss them a raisin

To talk to them with your kind and gentle voice

Dad, who will feed your birds, now that you are gone?

 

The Huskers are playing tonight and your recliner is waiting

I promise we won’t talk and giggle too much

We just want to watch with you.

Dad, will football games ever be the same again?

 

Your boat and your camper are sitting outside

Lures, reels and rods ready to be used

There was no place you would rather be; one with nature

Dad, how will we ever be able to go to the lake again without you?

 

What about morning coffee with your friends?

Conversations of fishing trips and families

They will all miss your morning appearances

Dad, who will they call now to go fishing?

 

Mom’s death was so hard on you

She was your soulmate and the love of your life

You told us you didn’t know what you would do without her

Dad, was losing her more than your tender heart could handle?

 

You told us that when the time came, you were ready to go

That you’d had a happy life

A beautiful wife, loving children, and wonderful friends

But, Dad, what if we weren’t ready?

 

Saying goodbye is incredibly difficult

But knowing that you and mom are together again

Makes the pain

A little easier to bear.

Kim Ridder