For the first time, my dad will be with me wherever I go.
At least now, he can enjoy the long walks without pain.
He’ll be able to hear (and hopefully laugh) at my jokes.
Most importantly, I can tell him my own stories of how I followed his same love for seeing the world. 

---

When my father died, the surge of support and love from friends and family was overwhelming.

One of the mass cards that were sent by friends contained this poem, which made drove my sister and I to tears. I’d like to think that these were the words that my dad would have wanted to tell me, if ever I managed to reach home before he moved on.

I’m Free – Anonymous

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God laid for me
I took his hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found that place at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.