Gathering Strength and Courage
Today I shall be focused
on writing
what I will say
at my father's
memorial service.
Tomorrow,
I shall be brave
and stand in front of
friends,
family, loved ones
and say
goodbye
to a man
who
I have known
and loved my whole life.
Tomorrow,
I shall
try to remain
composed
as I explain that
even though my father
lived his life
in the guise
of an
ordinary man,
he was really
a quiet hero;
my hero
and my life
is richer for having
him in it.
Tomorrow,
I will stand tall
and face
everyone and tell them
I am broken wide open by grief
but I am honoring
my father's life
by living mine
to the best
of my ability.
Tomorrow,
I will begin the healing process
and wish
my father peace
on the next part in
his journey.
I will thank him for my life
and appreciate
every breath I have left
to make every moment count.
James T. Clauss
