Memories of My Father

Looking back on my life with you
brings memories of varied emotions.
For years you were told to stay away,
but you did not.
Pictures of parades and softball games fill your albums,
albums I did not see for many years.
Years of hurt were washed away
in an instant.

Years passed and we became closer.
We worked together,
and lived together.
We became friends.
My drinking buddy and dart teammate,
we grew closer than most would have predicted.
Then I received the call,
that changed all of our lives.
Seven years have passed
and I miss you more than ever.
Time has not diminished the heartache,
and I wish you were here.

Our team won the championship
and your Little Bit is not so little.
Our old hangout is gone
but a new grocery store has gone up.
Babies have been born,
friends have passed.
Time continues on
and I am trying to allow you to do the same.

I will teach my kids to laugh and love,
how to throw darts and to love all things Irish.
We will cheer for the Buckeyes
and play golf in the sun.
We will listen to good music
and read great books.
We will be loyal and caring.
They may not know you,
or remember you,
but they will live as you did.

They will talk of their grandpa,
who lived in the memories of their mother.
One day they will meet you
and find that I did you no justice.
Until then, I will try
to help them know you.
And then I will not miss you alone.