my father lived life as bright
as all my favorite memories combined.
he had an uncanny way of encouraging
everyone who walked into his world.
he always had time to listen
with the kindest blue eyes that held everyone in acceptance.
he had a way about him.
a way of making everyone in the world belong.
my father transformed each moment
with his open and generous heart.
the sound of his laughter, the warmth of his embrace,
the way he always said
just the right thing to reassure a steadfast foothold
in this challenging world.
for all the ways he enriched the course of my life
the last gift he gave me
remains the most priceless.
the gift of facing death without fear.
for when death arrived wrenching all our hearts,
he turned his impossibly blue eyes upward
and faced the ultimate letting go with utter grace.
his peace gathered like a wild awakening into
the measureless sky.
a lifetime of love finally rising together
into that last wave of departure.
the man who made living so intensely heartfelt
paving a steady path for me in
the the ultimate letting go.
each sunday
xo
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We all need a steadfast foothold in this world. I'm glad yours started with your father.
Posted by: Magical Mystical Teacher | October 19, 2014 at 11:17 AM
Death as in life, he stepped forward courageously from one world and into the next.
Posted by: annie | October 19, 2014 at 11:44 AM
You were blessed to have such a wonderful father.You have inherited much of his goodness.
Your brave open heart and kind blue eyes have paved a path for countless others as well.
Posted by: gemma | October 19, 2014 at 02:25 PM
Your father reminds me of my mother. She was the go-to person for family members and good friends. I was not with her when she died, but she had a deep trust in God and an affection for our Blessed Mother so I hope and trust that they assured her at that time.
Posted by: Nonnie | October 19, 2014 at 03:21 PM
Handsome Dad and what a gift ! It shows in your writing the love you were given ~ Beautiful tribute to your Dad ~
Happy Week to you ~
artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
Posted by: artmusedog and carol | October 19, 2014 at 05:32 PM
How blessed you were to have this kind man as your father. xox
Posted by: Cyndi | October 19, 2014 at 06:13 PM
Wonderful and beautiful words remembering your father. Fathers are so important in our lives. Sometimes we don't realize it until we become adults ourselves.
Posted by: Adriana | October 19, 2014 at 10:00 PM
I have not been able to add to this 'art of remembrance'. This time is too painful to put into words just now! Only to say the description of your father could be the description of 'my love'. In his dying days he was full of grace...x
Posted by: Susan Fox | October 20, 2014 at 12:54 AM
Wonderful and heartfelt words about your Father. Hope you are doing well.
Posted by: Gloria | October 20, 2014 at 07:33 AM
Posting late to the Art of Remembering...so happy that your beautiful father is part of my Art of Remembering.
much love
Posted by: Stephanie | October 20, 2014 at 07:55 AM
Oh, to read such beautiful poetry about your father, Rebecca. Very, very moving. So many aspects of what you wrote remind me of my own father, especially the blue eyes and his reassuring encouragement to become an artist. Love and all the best to you, Laurie
Posted by: Laurie Zuckerman | October 20, 2014 at 08:44 PM