A Recollection For My Love In Heaven Poem by Bill Galvin

Humble though you are,
I’m sure you’d understand why I feel so fulfilled.
We had a service for you a few weeks ago…
A celebrant led the way with prayer, song, and reflection.
He read poems I wrote and read to you;
Played music you and I loved;
And summarized us all as a family full of love.
He let all the world know about our devotion to one another.

Your sister Denise read a comforting poem
About losing a Beloved (that’s you) ,
And how we will all meet again and never part.
My sister Deb spoke about how much you influenced her,
How much fun you were to be around,
And how proud she was to have you as a sister;
My nephew Greg read my “There Will Come A Time”,
And spoke of how my poetry forever encapsulated
“How we feel about such an amazing person”.
Your brother Paul talked about a little girl growing up
From swing set to womanhood
And meeting health challenges with courage and dignity.
Oh, and good friend Chaplain Jane came by
To speak of the lessons you gave her about living life
To the fullest and minimizing problems;
And she too was impressed by your courage.
She wrote me later thanking me for “the honor”
Of speaking at your celebration of life;
She centered a Sunday sermon around your character.

Humble as you are, I know this would embarrass you;
But you should be proud, as I am of you,
To have left such a legacy.
People such as you do not come around often;
Therefore, people are impressed by such life heroism.
You were just chugging along, doing your best,
Accepting life’s downturns with equanimity;
And without complaint, without self pity… that’s heroic.
You brought enlightenment to our world,
And with your passing,
The living are left inspired to meet their life challenges
With as much grace, courage, and dignity
As you did yours.

Nothing left unsaid, unfelt, or unexpressed
By so many who loved you…
It sure helped me to be able to let you go.

3-8-2015 (Hampton, VA)