I just about fainted yesterday when I found this note I had written my dad long long ago when I was six or something?! It was especially poignant since with every evening visit or call to him in the hospital (and many during the daytime, since he was dozing so much), I would say to my dad, "Nighty night Dad, sleep tight".
A few hours from now I will be leaving for my dad's funeral. One young man is coming all the way from the East Coast for it - my father had recently mentored him and he's coming to say thank you.
Nighty night Pop, I love you ...
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away to the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
That, we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way
which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect.
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you.
For an interval.
Somewhere. Very near.
Just around the corner.
All is well.
~Henry Scott Holland
A few hours from now I will be leaving for my dad's funeral. One young man is coming all the way from the East Coast for it - my father had recently mentored him and he's coming to say thank you.
Nighty night Pop, I love you ...
Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away to the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
That, we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way
which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect.
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you.
For an interval.
Somewhere. Very near.
Just around the corner.
All is well.
~Henry Scott Holland
Sally, I love that poem. And that note. Take care, my friend. xox Pam
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for your loss. But the good thing is you told each other every night you loved him..that is the best
ReplyDeleteI so sorry for the grief and sorrow you are going through at this time. It is never easy giving up our loved ones. My thoughts are with you. May you find peace and comfort in knowing I understand. I was with all my immediate family members when they left to another world.
ReplyDeleteSally, the poem is so comforting. I love it. The little note you wrote says so much about you and your Dad. I'll be thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteLeslie
Your note made me cry. much love to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteSally, I am sending loving thoughts your way and hope you make it through these difficult times with grace and ease. the little not to your pop is so touching...
ReplyDeleteSally, Thank you for sharing this post we us. Achingly beautiful. I can see your child's heart so clearly.
ReplyDeleteStill here, just not crafting! Writing once a week and working on blog to be published. Find under my Profile, E's Craftroom Creations.
Always, Elizabeth
Oh my gosh, that breaks my heart. What a lovely note to have though. Sending hugs your way, Sally.
ReplyDelete