My dearly loved husband died just six days before what would have been his 78th birthday. It was a really difficult day for all of us. Our children are all grown, and all of our grandkids are too, except the youngest one, but even as old as they are, they were all devasted by this sudden and unexpected loss. Two of them wrote these poems for their dad on his birthday, and I wanted to share them here. The first is from our daughter, the second from our son.



Hey Dad,

I miss you. Especially today. We were supposed to be picking where to eat and what kind of cake you wanted. Not what kind of casket. I hope your first heavenly birthday is glorious. I know you are in a far greater place, but it still hurts right now. I love you.



I picture my Dad up in Heaven with the Lord.
Doing all the things he's ever wanted 'cause he deserves that reward.
He's hugging on his mom and dad the way I want to hug on him.
God knows I wish I'd known I'd not see him again.

He's still praying for my momma, us kids, and our kids too.
'Cause when you love that much, that's just something that you do.
He's holding his grandbabies who passed before they met,
Because they too need a grandpa, and he's the best one yet.

He's chatting with his old friends who have gone before.
And he ain't got a bedtime now because night will be no more.
He's helping God rewire all the stars that have burned out.
Because electricians can light up anything, of that I have no doubt.

He will be excited to know groceries in heaven are free.
I hope he gets a giant freezer to fill for all eternity.
He's standing with his fishing pole and he is not feeling pain.
Because up there in heaven, his knees are new again.

I'm pretty sure he's fishing along the Crystal Sea.
And I can't imagine just how big those fish are gonna be.
He's working in the garden and sharing with his friends,
Because when you are so giving, that heart never ends.

I bet his 78th birtday party is right beside a lake.
And he's enjoying the biggest slice of heavenly carrot cake.
And he can do all these wonderful things as long as God shall be.
Still I know here down below he's watching over me.







Dad's First Birthday in Heaven



Today's your first heavenly birthday Dad,
While down here we simply grieve so sad,
Hoping in moments you’ll walk through the door,
But we realize we’ll see you here no more.

Here on earth you’d be Seventy-Eight,
But now you’re just One in the pearly gates.
It’s been just days, but seems so long.
Without your voice so firm and hug so strong.

We should be together to celebrate,
Yet we shop for stones and graves.
You are free from earthly trials and pain,
I give praise for that in Jesus name.

You get to fish, and catch forever more,
We can see you smiling on Heaven’s shore
Dad, until we're fishing together again one day,
Have a great Heavenly First Birthday!

 

These poems were written by our kids especially for their father.
Please do not copy or reproduce these poems in any manner.
Thank you.