**Just One Last Hug** Favorite 8/27/06

[negatvone]

By: Bags123

"Just one last Hug before I go"

Dad was always
there for me
Patient, strong, and kind

His advice
was tempered, to the point
few words to mix or grind

I still see him like it’s 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 time 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 from 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
everything 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 not cry"
"Just one last hug before I go"
"We'll meet in pure blue skies"

Dad was always
there for me
Patient, strong, and kind

His advice
was tempered, to the point,
few words to mix or grind.


His absence leaves a hole inside
that’s difficult to fill, but...
"Just one last hug before I go"
has kept him near me still

[heinzs]

Thanks Jim.

[negatvone]

I figured I'd do the hard part. You guys keep me around for something.

On a seperate note: Gerry, I asked you all those questions because I wanted to give a copy to my father. You really don't know how powerfull the lines "Just one last hug before I go" are to me.

The night I lost my grandpa, I made my father stop the vehicle in the middle of the drive-way from leaving Pa's house. I got my one last hug.

So far, I've had my mother, sister, father, and 2 friends read this. Not a single one of us could make it through without crying. Believe it or not, I needed to read this. Hadn't been for Tom, I'd probably have missed it.

My friend, that one last hug makes a world of difference. I know.

Thank you, my friend,

Jim

P.S.: I know you were trying to make light of it, but I meant it when I said it belongs to you; and in a way, having read it, a little piece of it will reside in me for the rest of my life.

[Tom Watson]

Jim, I think Gerry's father has left not only a legacy for his family, but, through Bag's writing, for all of us......
When we have a poem of the year, this will be at the top of my nomination list.

Gerry, this is not only for you, but for your father, God rest his soul.

Tom

[Eternum 1]

Captured the quiet but strong bond between father and son with appropriate dignity.

Sure to be a favorite for years to come.

ET

[bags123]

Thanks everyone.

[Moondew]

You are very gifted, you realize that, don't you? My relationship with my dad has been great since I became an adult, but I regret the mistakes I made as a kid which blights my memory....

[negatvone]

[LadySaturn]

JIMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BeeJay]

Well deserved bump created quite a lump. A moment such as this will a balm for many who may still one day get to read it.BeeJay

[bags123]

Thanks BeeJay