Author's note: This is a poem I wrote for my Uncle Derald who had just passed away suddenly. They recited it at his funeral.

Derald

It always amazed me,
Despite the pain at every turn.
You never let yourself grow bitter,
You were never mean, or stern.
You lived with a smile on your face,
Hard to break, you were pretty tough,
Always known to speak a kind word,
Even when you've had enough.
I sure hope you are happy,
In this new home that you've found.
With all the angels singing,
and your mamma close around.
But today our eyes are wet,
And our heads are in our hands,
Because we would rather have you here,
But i'm sure you'd understand.
To you, we will not say goodbye,
That's just too painful to do.
For now, we simply say "thank you for the memories,
and I'll be seeing you."

Melissa
07/27/16