Just one Last Hug

"Just one last Hug before I go" Dad was always there for me Patient, strong, and kind His advice as tempered, to the point few words to mix or grind I still see him like its yesterday while I prepped myself for school "Just one last hug before I go" was his unbroken rule. I'd watch his shape arrange his coat move briskly thru the doors A sparkling wink and he'd be gone commencing daily chores Evenings, we'd have time to talk Then he finally said "Just one last hug before I go" It's time we're both in bed Dad was never pushy Yet he taught me right from wrong A stalwart soul who wished his son to grow up proud and strong. He helped me learn the facts of life How people plot and scheme "Just one last hug before I go" Wasn't always what it seemed He told me that my future would depend on choices made "Be careful when the devils due he's always promptly paid" College closed  my tme at home It took me far away "Just one last hug before I go" was all my Dad could say. He stood with me a moment as a tear traced down his face Walked to the car and left the curb in some unseemly haste I'll have that picture etched in me Alone, and forced to stand "Just one last hug before I go" revealing natures plan. So as I took those first few steps into my adulthood I imagined what my Dad had felt near parting , where we stood I think he may have had regrets that time had gone so fast "Just one last hug before I go" to make our memories last. At 19 I was married, mistaking need for love At 22 My first son was born a blessing form above I saw him thru my fathers eyes As once he had seen me "Just one last hug before I go" became Dad's legacy. Then one day my mother called distraught over the phone She said that Dad was very sick she thought I should fly home My Mom sat right beside him As I entered in the room near unconscious lay my father in the twilights sullen gloom I kissed  my Mom then went to him hands tightly held in mine I told him not to worry everthing would be just fine. By some chance he looked at me his breath a labored sigh "Just one last hug before I go" "It's time for me to die" "I'm proud to have you for my son, I wish that I could see" "Your children raised and you content, as you have made me be" Dad said, "Don't be troubled, I'm at peace, you need'nt cry" "Just one last hug before I go" "We'll meet in pure blue skys" Dad was always there for me Patient, strong, and kind His advice was tempered, to the point, few words to mix or grind. His abscence leaves a hole inside thats difficult to fill, but... "Just one last hug before I go" has kept him near me still Written April 10th, 2002 © on Apr 09 2002 11:32 PM PST   18 • 0 • 1