My father died suddenly when I was 29 years old; I was 33 years old when I gave birth to my first daughter. I had a close connection with my Dad. I guess after someone dies, you’ll naturally imagine that if they were still here life would be perfect. I’m sure in reality it wouldn’t have been. However, I have felt sad that none of my kids got to know my dad, since he would have loved to get to know them. This poem came from the faith that, if my dad could be there with us now, he most definitely would. It was my imagination of what he would write if he could still write to us after his death. It’s also one of the few ways I can keep my children feeling significant to others, even when they are not physically alive anymore. Love never dies, and so, this poem is a way to connect my children to my dad, even though they will never physically meet each other.
The View
From A Daughter’s Heart
I became your grandad after ashes turned to dust
I have no way to hold your hand and build your trust
But I do know my loving heart for you will never rust
I’m a wondrous feeling from inside, a love which can never combust
I am your grandfather removed from you by the heavens above
When you look towards the sky, you may see me shoot past with a flying dove
Or when you’re cold and search inside your pockets, I’ll snuggle your hand like a cosy glove
I’ll be the spark of hope within you anytime you need me to give you a gentle shove
I am your grandpa who has never met my three grandchildren
Yet I raised your Mum and met your Dad, so I do know each half of you wild ones
Family was important to me; and I’m bouncing in the clouds seeing how you are a family in a billion
You may think you’ve never seen me in life, but from your view, I’m just hidden
I’m your lost Grandad but some parts of me still feel alive, being all of those gentle and loving sides of you
Good things do come to those who wait so anytime you want a friend, my presence will sit with you
I want to gift you a piece of comfort from your family man you can’t see, it’s this: I love you
Anytime you want to feel my love, just look for what I’d like to call The View
The View of the beautiful places that make you breathe in the life you still have, and the people who bring you deep happiness and meaning, and the emotions that let go of the bad and bring more of the good
It’s a View I used to hunt down, walk through, observe, and treasure, it’s where you can feel fully understood
And I’m still there in the heart of those views, from the seas to the tears, and the Eagles to the Beatles, helping you to feel reassured of my intent to stay with you forever more
Gentle Parent 