daddy’s hands
saluted an american general in a far-off land
for almost 60 years held our mother’s hands
built our family home in a sheltered wood
patted little brothers’ heads when they were good
held our arms close when we were wed
made a treehouse from an outhouse shed
smoothed out blueprints on a construction site
raised brick and mortar to lofty heights
added his name to a giant rock’s side
then raised the american flag with patriotic pride
cradled our babies on his knees
teased our babies with heartfelt glee
excelled at woodworking without measure
gave us heirlooms we’ll always treasure
daddy’s hands too soon grown old
built a legacy for all to behold
after a lifetime of creating the best
daddy’s hands are now at rest
julie king
may, 2010
saluted an american general in a far-off land
for almost 60 years held our mother’s hands
built our family home in a sheltered wood
patted little brothers’ heads when they were good
held our arms close when we were wed
made a treehouse from an outhouse shed
smoothed out blueprints on a construction site
raised brick and mortar to lofty heights
added his name to a giant rock’s side
then raised the american flag with patriotic pride
cradled our babies on his knees
teased our babies with heartfelt glee
excelled at woodworking without measure
gave us heirlooms we’ll always treasure
daddy’s hands too soon grown old
built a legacy for all to behold
after a lifetime of creating the best
daddy’s hands are now at rest
julie king
may, 2010
after a long illness and surrounded by my mom and all my siblings my dad passed away on may 6th. i was blessed to spend the last week of his life living at mom and dad's caring for him, offering support to my mom and helping to make all the arrangements. i took the above photo one afternoon during some quiet time between mom and dad. it is the only photo we have of them holding hands. the poem was read today at his graveside service.
thanks for all your love and support during this time.
21 comments:
i'm so sorry for the loss of your dad, julie. i know this time has been tough on you and your entire family. i'm afraid your mom will need you more than ever, now. you will be there for her because you're a good kid (daughter).
your poem is absolutely beautiful. if we all can inspire someone to write such loving words about our lives we will have lived a full life, indeed. thinking of you and yours and here if you want to talk. xo, cindy
I'm so sorry for your loss, Julie, but so glad you were able to spend his last week with him.
What a beautiful poem you've written to remember and honor him.
(((hugs)))
Dear Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. And so glad you got to be there with your parents during those last precious days! Sending lots of love, Silke
What a special picture and a beautiful poem, Julie. I am sad to hear of your father's death, especially at a time of so much joy in my own life. I was in Sacramento, celebrating my son's rehearsel dinner on the 6th and his beautiful wedding on the 7th. I hope and pray Alex and Laura have a full life as your parents did. There's not much more a mother could ask.
I send my love to you. I hope your mother will have strength from her children and friends in the time to come.
oh Julie so sorry to hear the news. I am teary eyed reading your lovely poem and looking at your beautiful photo of hands.
Julie,
So sorry for your loss. I am happy you were able to get this wonderful picture of your parents holding hands. hugs
Jen
He would of been proud to hear this poem! Just beautiful!
My deepest sympathy!
This is truly a lovely poem and a testament to your father's life and loving heart. What a gift to be able to be with him in his last days. My thoughts are with you at this time Julie.
Joanna
Beautiful poem and tribute! Be well ...
Julie-
I know your heart is breaking now but your mom needs you now.
As the years move on past you will become more grateful that you were able to be with your mom and dad.
take care-
I'm so sorry for your loss, Julie. What a very beautiful tribute to him.
Your photo brings tears to my eyes, as does your beautiful poem. So sorry for your loss Julie.
Sending heartfelt words of love and sympathy your way Julie. May the many blessings of his life continue to shine through yours now.
I was so sorry to hear about your dad but I'm so glad you were able to be there. My thoughts and prayers are with you. The poem is beautiful and what a special way to honor him.
oh julie, i'm so sorry for your loss. your poem you wrote for him is truly beautiful and i'm sure will be cherished by generations to come. sending you big big hugs.
WOW! What beautiful words to honour your father! I'm sorry to hear of your loss. There is a reason they call it "at rest", though! God bless you and your family!
I'm so sorry to read about your father's passing. How wonderful that were able to be there with them. xo S
dear julie......i'm very sorry to hear the news of your sweet, sweet father. thank you for sharing your poem with us........what a beautiful way to remember him. and your photo tells a story that i know you'll treasure forever. i'm sending you many hugs, sweet friend, and remembering you and your family in my prayers. xox
This is incredibly beautiful. A touching and sweet tribute that paints a wonderful picture of the caring and creative man your Dad must have been. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm very glad you were able to be there and do so much for him. Wishing you and your family peace and comfort. Georgianna
Julie, I'm sorry to read about your father's passing. The photo of your parent's hands is so sweet and touching. I know you will always be glad you took that picture. Your poem is a real testament to his life. Take care of yourself during this difficult time.
Julie, I am so sorry to hear about you dad. Your poem is beautiful, I can feel the love. How are you and your mom doing? Sending hugs your way my friend.
It was 2 years Sep 5 and I miss mine so much. Your title caught my eye "daddy's hands" from the time I was a child to the end I loved my daddy's hands! Before I got into photography I had a photographer take a photo of just his hands, framed it with the simply words written on the bottom "my daddy's hands". It hangs in our dining room so when there are holiday and family dinners he is right there with us. xo
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