In Color- Jamey Johnson

She said she was there, with open arms, to welcome him home from a lonely battle.
Yesterday would have been 26 years since she’d seen him.
How her and my father survived that horrible time in beyond me.
When she finally arrives home, I hope she tells my father’s father, the man I’ve only met through photographs… that I miss him.
Only 9 days between a death that happened too soon and a life that began too early.
Some might think we missed each other, but I know he was there.
He’s there in my fathers eyes… when I ask for stories from long ago.
He’s there every time my grandmother takes my hand for prayer…
and he’ll be there, with open arms, to welcome her home.

G-pa

He survived

My nightmare did not come true.

Water fills my eyes

As I try to imagine a life without him.

 

I was told stories of the day I was born

They drove through the rain too see their premature granddaughter

She said they could barely see through the downpour of rain, but kept driving to be by my side.

Years later, I find myself by his side.

As I sit in the hospital room

Helping this man lift a simple shirt over his head

I pray that he will make it through what lies ahead.

 

I remember my last visit

I was so afraid I would never have another goodbye

I drove out of my way to see him

Just a couple more moments together

I’m not done learning from you.

You have so much more to teach me

Hold on.