IN THE BEGINNING
In memory of my precious Dad
(February 21, 1926 – March 4, 2002)
In the beginning
Dad fed me
Bathed me
Wiped my face
Changed my clothes
Sat with me until I slept
Chased away my bad dreams
Played music to soothe me
Listened to my heart needs
Held my hand
Breathed his strength into my frightened spirit
Protected me from the big bad bullies
Taught me to trust God in all things
All this – in the beginning.
But today, in the ending
I’m feeding him
Bathing his body
Wiping his face
Changing his clothes
Sitting beside him until he sleeps
Chasing away his bad dreams
Singing his music back into his heart
Listening to his heart needs
Holding his hand
Breathing my strength into his frail and frightened spirit
Reminding him to trust God in all things
All this – in the ending.
The nurse says
“He’s gone.”
I watch his body for any sign of life
I know she’s right,
For today in Dad’s life,
It’s the beginning.
Written by Ritchie D. Hale ©2002
Ritch Writes 