About Last Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday Round-Up is at A Journey Through the Pages. Thank You, Kay.

And, thanks everyone for birthday wishes! What a way to kick off a new rotation around the sun.

About Last Friday

I celebrate birthdays when my age ends in a zero or a five. Because that happened last Friday, my husband and I planned a special weekend away celebrating together with--touring, theater, fancy dining. 

However, Life and Death had other celebration plans...

On Friday, my family buried one of our dearest, my Godfather, Uncle John. 

Since before I was born, my uncle battled mental illness. Sometimes, the illness made it difficult to be close. Sometimes, it was a shining example of how God can use one's weakness for God's own strength and glory.

Throughout his life, my Uncle never was judgmental or condemning or unaccepting of anyone...even if that person was in the wrong by his or anyone else's standards. 

My Uncle lived the words of  Saint Francis' prayer.

When it was my turn to speak at his funeral mass I leaned on poetry. 

What to do When a God Father Dies

Think how he’s not your Dad
     but he is a kind of a father
     chosen just for you.

Remember him present for birthdays
     and church – all the sacraments
     graduations and more.

God in an invited father
     who you see – always there
     and who watches over you, too.

Think about a Godfather
     watching you grow and grow
     as he slowed and slowed.

Remember prayers that covered all
     when you didn’t know you needed them
     even when you walked away.

God has gathered your godfather
     into His rest as you take steps in faith
     on a journey without him, but not alone.

This year, I celebrate a golden anniversary
     of knowing God the Father
     more because of Uncle John, my godfather.

I am grateful.

(c) Linda Mitchell

My family celebrating Uncle John's life after his funeral...Amen!

Everyone should be so fortunate as to have an Uncle John in their life. My life is rich beyond measure because I have.