navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #4 » An Unforgettable Thanksgiving
Open Poetry #4
Post A Reply Post New Topic An Unforgettable Thanksgiving Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
Lynn
Member
since 1999-09-20
Posts 316
Jasper, Alabama U.S.A.

0 posted 1999-11-23 11:34 PM


My Grandfather passed away last night, after suffering nearly a month in the hospital. If anyone would, please keep our family in mind as you pray.


An Unforgettable Thanksgiving

We picked out his clothes today.
Dark blue khakis and a button down shirt.
This is what he would have wanted.
No suit and tie.
Just his every day attire.

He endured a month of suffering,
Lying in a hospital bed.
He was strong to have held on
as long as he did.
But we knew he had to go.

November 22 was the day.
The day he was born.
The day he passed away.
Sixty-eight years of hard-living.
He'll surely be missed.

My Thanksgiving will be different.
There will be no family dinner,
Around a well set table.
Instead there will be tearful eyes,
Around an open casket.

An unforgettable Thanksgiving
Is what I will have this year.
But I now realize all the things
I have to give thanks for.
Even though he won't be here.

I'm Thankful for my memories.
I'm Thankful that he's watching over me.
And I know he'll be waiting
up at Heaven's Gate, just for me,
To greet me with a "Hi-Dy Lucy" like always.

And as I see him for one last time,
on this Thanksgiving day,
I'll thank God that he was my grandfather,
and that I was his grand-daughter.
Then say, "I love you" for the last time.

For this will be an unforgettable Thanksgiving.
And no matter what, he'll always be here.

------------------
If time cannot heal your pain, you can always cry on my shoulder. ~Jenn~




[This message has been edited by Lynn (edited 11-23-1999).]

© Copyright 1999 Jennifer Lynn Bonham - All Rights Reserved
Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

1 posted 1999-11-23 11:40 PM


Lynn, I'm so sorry for your pain. Please extend my sympathies to your entire family.
You have written a lovely tribute for your grandfather. Perhaps you or another person could read it at his service. I think he would have liked that. Again, Lynn, my deepest deepest sympathies.

------------------
Denise


Lynn
Member
since 1999-09-20
Posts 316
Jasper, Alabama U.S.A.
2 posted 1999-11-23 11:58 PM



Denise...Thank you so much. My mother asked me if I could possibly write something for the service and I'm not quite sure if this is what she wanted. She's asleep now, and I have to wait until morning to show it to her. I'm working on another one right now just in case. I felt so honored in being the one to choose his clothing. He was a good ole' country man, and never in his life wore a suit and tie, so I didn't see it fit that he wears one now. Thanks again.

------------------
If time cannot heal your pain, you can always cry on my shoulder. ~Jenn~

Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

3 posted 1999-11-24 12:04 PM


You're welcome, Lynn. God bless you and your family. I'm sure your Mom will love it.

------------------
Denise


Sally S.
Senior Member
since 1999-06-07
Posts 847
Ohio
4 posted 1999-11-24 12:09 PM


I'm truly sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you, Lynn.
This is a lovely tribute. I commend you for having the ability to write down your feelings at such a sad time. You and your family will be in my prayers, rest assured. Take care and God bless, Sally

Lynn
Member
since 1999-09-20
Posts 316
Jasper, Alabama U.S.A.
5 posted 1999-11-24 12:21 PM



Sally...Thank you. The best poetry I have ever writen, in my opinion, are in the times I am most saddened or depressed. It just seems easier because I can express my feelings with more emotion.

------------------
If time cannot heal your pain, you can always cry on my shoulder. ~Jenn~

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
6 posted 1999-11-24 07:13 AM


Lynn, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family... This is a beautiful tribute to your grandfather...
hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA
7 posted 1999-11-24 08:32 AM


Lynn, tears fall from my eyes as I read your wonderful tribute. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. On this time of Thanksgiving, even though you deal with your loss, remember also to give thanks for all the wonderful times you had with him.
Hugs
Ruth

Toerag
Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622
Ala bam a
8 posted 1999-11-24 03:55 PM


Yes dear Lynn, I would think this will be a Thanksgiving to remember for you. And it's kinda strange how many different things we can be thankful for. Thankful for the end of suffering, for memories, for having a gentleman such as this touch your heart in your lifetime, and his memory will touch your heart throughout your lifetime.....Isn't it wonderful to have that memory to fall back on.....One's soul really never dies, it will touch your heart continuously throughout your life....and perhaps, when the sadness of this temporary goodbye is over, you'll think of the good times he brought to you....and you'll again smile.......have the greatest Thanksgiving possible gal.....
Lynn
Member
since 1999-09-20
Posts 316
Jasper, Alabama U.S.A.
9 posted 1999-11-24 09:12 PM



Thank you all for your comforting responses. It makes me happy to know that you all care. Thanks so much.

------------------
If time cannot heal your pain, you can always cry on my shoulder. ~Jenn~

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
10 posted 1999-11-24 09:23 PM


Add me to the list, Lynn. He would certainly be proud of this tribute, I'm sure. My thoughts go with you and your family in this trying time, Lynn.
Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
11 posted 1999-11-24 09:25 PM


God Bless....
Lynn
Member
since 1999-09-20
Posts 316
Jasper, Alabama U.S.A.
12 posted 1999-11-24 09:26 PM



Thank you Balladeer.

I'm sure thankful for everyone here. With out all of you, I'm not sure of what I would do.

------------------
If time cannot heal your pain, you can always cry on my shoulder. ~Jenn~

Ohme
Senior Member
since 1999-07-17
Posts 816
Texas
13 posted 1999-11-24 09:26 PM


Lynn, This is a beautifu poem about your Grandfather. I agree. Let it be read at his service. My Daughter wrote a poem about her great grandmother when she died and yes it brings tears but also happy memories. God bless you and your family.

------------------
Yesterday is history, tomorrow just a mystery. And if today is good to me how could I ask for more?

Lynn
Member
since 1999-09-20
Posts 316
Jasper, Alabama U.S.A.
14 posted 1999-11-24 09:29 PM



Thanks Nan & Ohme! I surely appreciate you taking time to read & comment on this. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. God bless....

------------------
If time cannot heal your pain, you can always cry on my shoulder. ~Jenn~

H. Arlequin
Member
since 1999-08-23
Posts 210

15 posted 1999-11-26 02:18 AM


HA applauds!
poetFemmeFatale
Member Elite
since 1999-07-25
Posts 2646
Arkansas
16 posted 1999-11-26 10:01 AM


Yes, as HootOwl said, I sit here with tears falling...this was really beautiful. I'm sure he would be honored if you read something for him at the service, although, I'm not sure I could....Be strong!

------------------
~~ Lift your head high - spread your "words" and fly - - poetFemmeFatale


Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
17 posted 1999-11-26 10:21 AM


Lynn -
Bless you as you and your family lay your grandfather to rest.
With the loving words you wrote,
I'm sure he would be proud.
God keep you in the comfort of his love.
~Marge~

------------------
~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com

Lynn
Member
since 1999-09-20
Posts 316
Jasper, Alabama U.S.A.
18 posted 1999-11-26 06:30 PM


Thank all of you very much. I just got back from his funeral 5 minutes ago. I didn't even look at him before they closed the casket. Instead, I stayed beside myh brother's side. He just couldn't bare it. We were the closet grandchildren to him. Thanks again.

------------------
If time cannot heal your pain, you can always cry on my shoulder. ~Jenn~

Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #4 » An Unforgettable Thanksgiving

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary