Saying Goodbye

Goodbyes are never easy - they just aren't.

Whether it is a goodbye to a traveling friend, a relationship and especially to a loved one.

Memories flood your mind - and also a little regret.

Regret that you didn't spend the time you should have with this person.

Regret that you didn't tell them often enough how dear they were to you.

Regret that you didn't have more time together.

Memories also bring joy.

Joy for the times that you DID spend together.

Joy for the love that you knew you both shared.

Joy for knowing this person will still live on in your heart.

Memories bring comfort.

Comfort for the chance to have know this special person.

Comfort that if they are no longer in pain, that you are grateful.

Comfort that you have special memories to keep in your heart.

Memories bring resolution.

Resolution to make each day special - no matter what may come.

Resolution to always be the best you can be - no matter who may shoot you down.

Resolution to hold on to the good times - no matter what bad times may arrive.

I've had many goodbyes in my half of a century life.

I've also had quite a few times that the goodbye wasn't an option.

It takes time to be okay with the goodbye never said.

It takes time to mourn a loss of a life here with us on earth.

Although some goodbyes are never granted,

When you have a special moment to speak your love, your memories,

your joy in the knowing

Those are the goodbyes that really touch the heart.

You leave with a peace that is not easily explained

You are able to smile when you might just cry

You know that you'll carry the memory with you -

a certain kind of joy.

I had such a goodbye recently.

It was oh so very special -

saying goodbye.

This Poem was written for a man who

didn't have to be my dad -

because he was a very special 'extra' dad to me.

He didn't have to love me -

but he did and I am forever grateful that he did!

The Dad He Didn’t Need to Be

Pop, Dad, Friend – it’s really not in the name you see…

It’s in the loving kindness that he always gave to me.

As a teen, He took me into his heart

Adopted me as another daughter – I always had a special part.

He always understood how to truly see me

He was always the dad he didn’t need to be.

The calls out of the blue – to check on his other daughter

To let me know that his love, even all these years had yet to falter.

The conversations about what I had been up to, and the same for him

The prayers I knew he always spoke for me, and I for him.

I cherish the love he poured out to me,

I cherish the man, the dad he didn’t need to be.

Pop, you’re a precious jewel of my heart

My love for you, as your adopted daughter shall never depart!