It was Shirley’s birthday,

But she didn’t celebrate.

That was the day that Dad passed away,

April fifth, two thousand and eight.

The story of Dad’s life?

Well, he was quite a man.

Throughout his life, he did his best,

For Christ he took a stand.

He was born in Kansas,

Then they moved away.

His family moved to Idaho,

There  they decided to stay.

Dad grew up a farmer’s son,

And during those early years,

His life was good, he worked hard,

But he also shed many tears.

He fought in World War II,

He did what he had to do.

Many men died but he made it home,

He was one of the fortunate few.

He met a girl named Ruth,

They married and lived happily.

They had two girls and two boys,

It was a wonderful family.

Carpenter by trade, oh the things he made,

His hands were calloused and rough.

He built many things including his home,

The man was strong and tough.

Years passed by and took their toll,

His body became broken and worn.

Blindness, Deafness, cancers, strokes,

He weathered many a storm.

Ruth got ill, her mind grew weak,

…Confined to a wheel chair.

She had Alzheimer’s many years,

They were quite an incredible pair.

Dad cried, he prayed, petitions made,

It was the only thing he could do.

But through it all, his faith held tight,

He knew Christ would see them through.

Now his life on earth is over,

But he’s having lots of fun.

He’s with his Savior rejoicing,

He can see, speak, hear and run.

Now he sees his Heavenly Father,

He can speak most any word.

He can hear the angles singing,

He can bow before his Lord.

The Savior came to get him,

On that Saturday, April fifth.

It was Shirley’s birthday…

But Dad got all the gifts.

When life is bitter,

Death is sweet.

The Beginning…

I love you Dad and Mom!

By Marsha K. Hood

Dedicated to Shirley, Ruth and Carl