For You My Dad, Thank You

by Reggie

4-1-2009

It is written that our days are like vapor

our lives are here today, gone tomorrow

they are a passing mist each with it's season

We live each day, expecting to wake up tomorrow

we take each day for granted...

how cruel it can be, life that is!

But nevertheless, it's a gift blessed of the Lord

Just like your life was,

a blessing and a story

told in fifty-six chapters

each with it's own theme

It had both good times and bad

trying times and carefree ages

each day was life's own trial

each day had it's own sufferings

But you sir, amidst the suffering

fought and pushed against the hard times

sometimes losing all your strength but

not your love for you caring for us

We've watched you work

all day and all night

we've seen you tire and sleep

each day and each night

a hard worker you were indeed

eager to satisfy your family

regardless of the cost

You sacrificed and you've toiled

your hands trembled with sweat

each breath you took was one

gasping for peaceful air

You always did want to relax

Even in your final moments

the pain was great

like salt in the wound and bleach in the eye

so were you day and night

the bittersweet taste of relief

was only for a little while

and although you probably didn't

notice, our tears were your sweat

our love was your blanket

God was your doctor, Jesus your sustainer

In the end, you went peacefully

our prayers guided your time

God was indeed with you

to bring you out of suffering

and into eternal rest

surely, thankfully, all your suffering has ended

And so here we are at last

we remember you

cherishing all we had with you

missing you all the more

but knowing that because of Christ

we will see you again in paradise

The promise is for all of us

that if we place our trust in Christ

we, too, will have eternal life and rest

my soul rejoices that you are amidst that number

So Dad, to I say, see you later

this isn't a goodbye or farewell

because Christ is our promised life

unite us again he shall oneday

Until then, I say, thank you for everything

I love you, and I will always have you in my heart

thank for you for letting me be your son, to God be the glory,

Amen!

**In memory of my Dad, Phillip T. Fredericks, Sr who passed away in March 24, 2009 from this world and into heaven. I love you and thanks again for everything.