William: To My Daddy

Tough on the surface

Gentle at the heart

You took us through hell

From the very start

Yet helped build us, strengthen us

For the journey ahead

I appreciate you for all that you did and said

For the love that you gave us as well as the love that you did not share

Thank you for making us fighters

Who could attest to the end of times

Truth Seekers leaving every lie behind

God-fearers knowing that life isn’t yours nor mine

Actual doers understanding that we’ll get nowhere if we’re out of line

Love givers and receivers as we can relate to loneliness and absence of love

Healers who spread the Word that “We are healed by His Stripes”

Regardless of whose standing in the dark or the light

Not in our surroundings, present circumstances, or previous “rights”

We all serve a purpose

Both you and I

Thank you for taking on your role as daddy in my life

For being the “William” in who I knew

Through your eyes and actions, I saw your soul

Hard yet gentle, hurt but loving, found yet lost

Rich yet poor, constantly seeking and asking for more

As you ran from your purpose, you remained in our lives

It takes a lot for a man to stand with countless alibies

I remember interceding for you

Asking God to heal and deliver you at all costs

Hoping and praying that one day you’d be free

From the lies that people told, the abuse you endured,

The heartache you experienced, the rejection you faced,

The pain you embraced, and the evil within

That you’d feel the presence of God

Experience His very being, His love, His Spirit

I know that my very trials, tests, and outbursts helped propel you to the altar for salvation as you feared death and hell

As I battled my own thoughts contemplating suicide

How God uses each of us, His strategies are priceless

I’m at peace knowing that you experienced His love, His presence, His grace, His forgiveness

I will forever laugh at our very last conversation

In which you asked and/or commanded me to download “Sky-pee” so that we could see each other

How I laughed and you asked if I was drunk or high

Though I was neither, your persistence entertained me

As I walked through the park engaging the waterfall with a dear friend

I told you I’d download it later as I did

But I was not able to reach you as you hid

Probably in your feelings or simply too late

I’m proud that our lives nor love ended in hate

Very last breaths, “I love you Victoria;” “Love you too ole man”

Rest in peace William

I’ll believe that you made it in

As I witnessed you depart in peace

Your final movements and small tears

Are enough to remember for the next years

Though you won’t see me wed

I’ll place your picture nearby so you’ll have a glimpse

Farewell ole man

You played your role and hand with the cards that were dealt

I’m proud of you,

Thank you William

For giving us time to reflect

As we’ve paid our respects

Rest in Peace