his turn

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.