The loudest, biggest silence ever heard came from him
When thinking, pondering, creating, or being just him.
Reserved yet unafraid to stand up for good
Across the world with a heart golden and good.
An unsung giant, gentle leader, and untiring guide, he carried
His family name on his back; on his heart, God's name he carried
Without looking back.
Doubt and trouble and life and work,
That's what he worked out with God when building
His faith, his family, his strength, his home.
This side of heaven, he got part way there
Before it was even his turn.
A rememberer, a musician, an example
Of how to be yourself and always progress.
A baker, an art maker, a creative mind
With unceasing brilliance that shines.
An audience catcher with his redemption example
And love and care so powerful enticing us to progress
As children of God and intelligent minds,
An ever present effervescence inviting us to shine
Like him. To honor life and family and God,
He quietly leads the way, unafraid, ready.
A daring and brave life lived to the fullest,
Reaching to those gone before while carrying
Us, all whom he loved and prayed and cared for,
With him in his work-worn hands and heart
As he leaves us on this side of Heaven
To watch for our turn.
For my grandfather, my friend and helper, my guide.
