I remember
The sun shining down
On his bronzed and dirty face
He worked in his garden
Caring for God’s creation
I remember
A warm breeze lightly ran across my skin
I watched him intently
He looked tired
But he never wavered in his steps
I remember
Feeling so free and relaxed
Forgetting insignificant details
That plagued my life
They didn’t seem to matter
I remember
He bought us his favorite candy
That catchy television ad played in my head
“Gimme a break, gimme a break”
As he broke off a piece for each of us
I remember
He complained
It was too hot, or the mosquitoes were a bother
But I knew he loved it all
And he shared that enthusiasm with us
I remember
Lying in the hammock with my sisters
Or playing in the pond
He had dug himself
Loving every minute in that place
I remember
The smell of home cooking
The feeling of compassion
Filling every nook and cranny
A comfort in happy and sad times
I remember
I can still envision him working
As I look at the bare garden
The weeds over grown
The pond is empty
I remember
Now he is gone
That place or moment
Vanished
His warmth will remain forever