Thursday, August 17, 2017

About Last Poetry Friday

Poetry Friday Round-Up is at A Journey Through the PagesThank 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. 


16 comments:

  1. I'm sorry for the loss of your godfather. Your poem is a lovely tribute to him.

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  2. Poetry speaks when we can't find words, your thoughts and words for your god father are a loving tribute to your relationship with him. I'm very sorry that he has passed, sending you a hug. Thanks for sharing all with us.

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  3. Linda , I'm so sorry for your loss. I never knew my godfather. I'm not even sure if I had one. You poem is so heartfelt, I know your Uncle John was smiling. xo

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  4. Linda, I am so sorry for the loss of your godfather. Sending you an enormous hug. What a lovely tribute you penned in his honor. And what a special celebration of his life by the pond! I bet he would have loved it. -- Christie @ https://wonderingandwondering.wordpress.com/

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  5. I'm so sorry for your loss - what a wonderful tribute to a man who obviously meant a great deal to you and your family. I always loved St. Francis as a child - I insisted on taking his name as my confirmation name, even when my teachers tried to tell me that a girl couldn't take a male name. 😉 He always seemed to me like a man who actually led by example, and lived the life he preached.

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  6. So sorry for your loss, Linda. Thanks for sharing your Uncle John with us through your words.

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  7. Appreciations for allowing us to know a little bit about your Uncle John & in such a literary way.

    Embraces.

    And birth month charms, double fold.

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  8. Linda, so sorry to hear of the death of this beautiful man. Your tribute is moving... he God-fathered you well. Blessings as you grieve.

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  9. Happy birthday, and I'm so sorry for your loss!

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  10. An "invited father" is a lovely way to put it. Condolences for your loss, Linda. Uncle John sounds like he really did embody St Francis' prayer. I'm sure he would want you to have a proper birthday celebration later. Hugs.

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  11. What a beautiful way to remember and honor your God Father. Condolences mixed with birthday wishes!

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  12. This post brought tears to my eyes. You are a blessing in the lives you touch. Thanks for being you!

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  13. I'm trying to type through tears too.... What an amazing picture you painted in not many words. Thoughts & prayers for you and yours. XO

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  14. Linda, I'm so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful tribute you created for your beloved Uncle John. Thinking of you as you celebrate his life and mourn his absence.

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  15. I'm sorry to hear about your godfather, Linda. Your poem is a lovely tribute to him. Sending you hugs.

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  16. Your Uncle John sounds ideal, following a loving creed, we could all stand to add to our lives. Sorry for your loss. The photo of your family is wonderful. Hugs.

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Friendly, positive comments and feedback are always welcome here. Please let me know I'm not just whistling in the dark!