Thursday, November 29, 2007

"You remind me of your Dad!"

My dad passed away 4 years ago on November 30th. I am so grateful for the life he led and for the example he was. This is the poem I read at his funeral. Also, I love this picture, I think I was 4 or 5 and it is from a day we went fishing while we were visiting family in Texas. It made me proud when people would say I'm just like you,
I've got your round face, big cheeks, & manly legs; yes, it's true!

You and I would always eat the fastest as we sat down each night for dinner,
Everyone else took after mom, maybe that's why they are a bit thinner.

Sometime our stubborn ways meant you and I did not always get along
If I was right and you were right, who would admit they were wrong?

We enjoyed playing pranks, like waiting for Steven after a church dance,
We nailed him with the hose and water ran down his pants.

Even though we are alike, and that means the world to me,
I still have a lot to learn because you're all I aspire to be.

I am grateful for your character and all the fun we've had,
Having you here when times were tough made it all not seem so bad.

You had so many good friends whose lives you deeply touched
That special way about you, everyone loved so much.

As a father you counseled, guided, and lead with all your might,
Teaching us to seek for truth and strive to choose the right.

You were one with great courage, you had faith in Heavenly Father's plan,
And though it's hard to see you go, you've left the mark of a valiant man.

You see, I miss you so much, but I am doing my best not to be sad,
Instead I will strive to live up to the phrase: "You remind me of your Dad!"

12 comments:

Emily said...

Beautiful poem...it made me cry again. I can't believe it has been four years. That picture is so cute.

Ginger said...

That is an amazing poem. It probably seems like yesterday that he passed away. Hard this season I'm sure when you think about it.

I didn't know your father, but if you're just like him, I can just imagine what he was like. Actually, you're entire family and how they are is a testament to what he must have been like as a father.

the bates motel said...

nora that is about the best poem i've ever read! beautiful. i love your love for your dad! and it's great to see your peaceful words in remembering him. thanks for sharing!

Eliza said...

I love the poem. I can't believe it's been 4 years either. Nora, you totally remind me of your dad! (All the Grahams do.) He was such a sweet and funny and happy person. So many people love and miss him!

Phoebe said...

I often think of your dad. I am grateful that I was able to grow up with the Graham family!

grannybabs said...

Ditto with all the Terrill comments - we loved your dad - and love all the Grahams.

May this day be full of comforting memories!!

Rachel B. said...

So sweet! He sounds like an amazing guy from everything I've heard about him. Your family is so impressive in how strong and close you all are. I'm so glad you shared with us.

Jeff and Stephanie said...

Ok - so you know I couldn't make it through the poem because I was crying! So I'm wondering how you had the strength to do it at his funeral! You are so amazing and I wish I knew your dad! But I'm so grateful that I know you!

Dawn said...

I'm right there with Stephanie. Brian thinks i'm crazy because i'm sitting in front of my computer balling! You are so strong and I'm sure that your dad is smiling at you from heaven so proud of his little girl and all that you have become. You have a great husband and adorable son--who will carry and honor his name. You are a good friend, wife, and mommy--what else could a father want for his child? We love you!!

Morph This said...

SO I didn't just give birth so I don't have the "I'm hormonal, thats why I am crying" excuse. But Nora, that was about the sweetest, most heartfelt poem I have ever heard. You are amazing and ditto to what everyone else here as said. I am sure that your dad would be so very proud of the woman that you have become.

C4 McKendrick said...

Do you guys still have that binder where everyone put in thoughts and memories about your awesome dad four years ago? For some reason I have a document that needs to go in there still... We love Charlie and all the Graham Fam:)

Helena said...

I can't believe it's been four years. The pic is so cute and the poem is amazing. I can remember you reading it and it makes me teary again. Love you guys.