~The Last Spring~

I long for Spring again.

Turn back the days when the earth is nurturing

the newly formed buds of color.

Where sunny breeze blows 

warm kisses of laughter.

Spring smiling on all, 

warming the hearts of those who have endured.

Last Spring, 

how could we have known
it would be our last Spring together.

The last time sharing stories from the past,

the last time taking lazy country drives,

the last time sharing afternoon coffee,

the last time for everything.

If only had we known.

Summer...

hectic, scary, confusing.

In and out of hospitals.

Don't leave us Dad

please stay.

Afternoon coffee in the nursing home

has become our new normal,

instead of country drives

we stroll down the hallway,

taking a detour to visit Mom

in the Alzheimer's unit.

Life has dealt us a new hand Dad,

we embrace it, we cherish it, we hold onto it.

The leaves have turned 
scarlet and russet, brown and gold .

Summer is gone and the days grow cold.

It is now Autumn Dad
so beautiful, so radiant with glory.
Yes I know, it is your favorite time of year.

Yes Dad, the leaves have fallen.
Yes Dad, I know it is time.
Yes Dad, I will be alright.

Autumn burned brightly
the day Dad said good-bye

In memory of
Doug Booth
April 17, 1922
October 29, 2014

Doug was my Father In Law
For the last 24 years He was my "Dad"

Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.

I'll see you again Dad, when it's Spring.
                                                   Connie