Memories of Papa John

I have been thinking alot lately about my dad and how much I miss him. Tomorrow it will be three years since he passed on. I have often wished that I could turn back time and tell him that I love him again. I remember leaving Jonna's house the day before he died and I didn't take the time to wrap my arms around him and tell him that I loved him. I sit and replay in my mind that day at the hospital and how emotional it was for all of us (especially my mom). I know she misses him too!

Anyways I just want to post the poem that I wrote for his funeral program. I know that it is not the best written poem ever, but I prayed that day to my Father in Heaven that he would help me to write what was in my heart. I will always be grateful to Heavenly Father for sending me to earth to be raised by such wonderful parents. My mom & dad did everything they could so raise us in righteousness and to show us unconditional love. I just hope that I can live my life the way my father lived his. He truly was a man with a huge heart. He loved everyone, no matter what! He never judged anyone and welcomed everyone into our home. He would give you the shirt off his back and a meal to fill your belly. He loved to serve and was always so happy! I want to be just like my dad and I wish the world could be more like him too! I love you Dad!

What Is Heaven Like?

I often wonder what Heaven is like.

I wonder what I'll see.

Is it like the wind in your hair as you ride a bike?

Or the sound of the water in the sea.

Is it like the love in a child's eye?

Or the sight of a Christmas Tree?

Or maybe the smell of homemade apple pie?

Oh, how wonderful that will be?

You see that through the years I have seen

Little glimpses of Heaven

in the eyes of someone dear to me.

You see this someone is my Dad

and I'll tell you what I've seen.

Heaven is like long talks with dear friends.

And doing Missionary work.

Heaven is a listening ear to get you through the day

And singing funny songs that you will never forget.

Heaven is sweet little treats he gave to all the kids

And going for a ride on the mountain

just to see what we could see.

Heaven is like going fishing and bringing home a feast.

And going camping up on the hill come rain or shine.

Heaven is playing a card game

And swimming in Pete's Flume

Heaven is being pushed in the tire swing

so high you could touch the sky

And going to family reunions

to catch up on family ties.

Heaven was coming home and seeing his smile

And always getting a bear hug.

Heaven was the quality time we all had with our Dad

And all the homemade Christmas presents

he would make inside his shed.

Heaven is like the smile on his face

as he held each new grandchild.

And Oh how proud he is of all these little ones

who call him "Papa John"

Heaven is the Love for my mom

And the Love she has for him.

His gentle touch and the love in his eyes,

has helped me through my life. And even though he went to Heaven

I know that if we try to be a little like by Dad;

we will see little glimpses of Heaven in our eyes.

I know that I will miss my Dad, but I can't wait to see

that glimpse of Heaven in his eyes as he will someday greet me.

I love you Dad!

Love,

Becky