For My Grandpa

I was not ready for you to go,
None of us really were.
Our hearts our full of sadness and grief,
That you would find unnecessary.
You were always a symbol of strength,
Of hard-work and values.

And yet, you have gone
To the Place where suffering is no more,
Where tears do not exist,
Where you are smiling with our Lord.

I will think of you often,
My mind full of memories.
Memories of-
Playing ball with you and my brother
In your backyard;
Seeing you read your western books,
As you called them "Shoot 'em up, Bill;"
Combing your hair while you sat in your recliner:
A tradition made with every visit.
Our minds will be full of lovely memories
Such as these
While we continue to live, work, and laugh,
As you would wish us to do.

And yet, you are gone
To the Place where suffering is no more,
Where tears do not exist,
Where you are walking with our Lord.

I was not ready for you to go.
But I hold to the peace of knowing
I will see you again, Grandpa.