Poem: We Miss You Chip

A Brother Loved by Dan Henry

Our lives changed forever the day that he left. One call – we were shattered, shocked, and bereft.

Geauga mourned with us – on news that he past. With tears in their eyes and flags at half mast.

We rallied our efforts to send him off well. Chose music he liked and good stories to tell.

An emptiness came and a numbness set in. The light in our eyes went a little bit dim.

Heart ache – he was taken – so totally wrong. Yet I know he would tell us, “Go on and be strong”.

“Don’t wallow to long in sorrow and pain, Take care of my loves who there still remain.”

“Be happy and loving and patient and kind. Don’t get no tattoos and stay strong in your mind.”

“Remember my love when you look at my face, When its your turn to come here, I’ll save you a space.”

There’s no happy ending to a story like this. Didn’t get to say bye with a hug or a kiss.

We’ll remember and cherish him though we’re apart, Together we’ll keep him in mind and in heart.

I know that he loves us, and we’ll meet on that shore, Where sorrow, and sadness, and pain are no more.

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We Miss You – by Dan Henry, July 23, 2011

Dear Chip,

Two months since we lost you, Two months you’ve been gone. Two months with this sadness, Two months too, too long.

We’re staying with Linda. Its been incredibly hot. She still cries on occasion, She still likes you a lot.

I borrowed your Gravely. I was cutting my grass. The damn thing fell apart, So who’ll chew my ass?

Who’ll put it together, and make it like new? Who’d care that much bout it? A brother like you.

We cut down Mom’s Locust, With saws, ropes, and chain. With only three brothers, It wasn’t the same.

The neighbors come over, and sometimes stay late. To ensure they keep coming, Linda puts out beer bait.

Your pond has been cleaned, Pat chopped lots of your wood. We cleared scrub near the swamp, It all looks pretty good.

Cindy planted your garden, tomatoes, peppers, and chard. She pulled lots of weeds, And worked really hard.

I look at your pictures, I can’t help but smile. I remember – you’re with me, At least for a while.

Don’t worry bout Linda, She’s strong and she’s smart. I know you’re proud of her, A new life to start.

Just wanted to thank you, You made me feel great. I’ll honor your memory, Till we meet at the gate.

Love and miss you,

all of us

July 28, 2011 Linda