Not Pity, but Understanding
Not pity, but understanding
Not sympathy, but caring
Not a rescue, but a hand to hold
I don’t seek to remove my sorrow, but for a friend to walk beside me
Not prolonging the struggle in a sin-sick world, but freedom from pain
Not lingering, but remembering
Of happy times, there have been many
Of family love, shared laughter, table games
Of piggyback rides, hiking, and singing
So much singing
Punny jokes with no end
Groans and missed punch lines
Twinkling eyes and toothpicks
Guitar picks and old farm stories
Never claiming perfection; always jolly
His imperfection endearing
And prayers from the heart.
I don’t seek pity, but understanding.
Understanding that the world has been richer because of my dad,
And ’twill be an empty corner of our world when his cheerful smile fades away.
“I will wipe away all tears…”
Come soon, Lord Jesus. Come soon.
Til then, do not pity me, but rather yourself, if you have never known such a man.
And if you have? Cherish every memory, spread a smile, tell a joke. Love with your whole heart. Hold no grudges.
And then you will understand how my father lived. Lives yet, but not for long.
Not pity, but understanding.
My favorite picture of Mom and Dad
So beautiful and filled with so many wonderful memories. <3
Thank you. 💕
Such a lovely tribute. A parent’s exit is one of the hardest things to endure. I’m so glad, for you, that you knew and loved such a man. Wishing you and your family many blessings of peace.
Thank you so much!!
Such a beautiful poem.Loving memories are the fuel for a happy life.
I like how you said that.
Loved the poem (aka metric prose). Thanks for that great share.
Thanks.
I wasn’t sure whether to call it poetry but it felt like it to me.
Beautifully expressed. His life is an example of love, laughter and not sweating the small stuff. God keep him and all of you. ❤️
Many thanks.
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful Christian man. Thank you Laurie.
Thank you so much.
💕
Love the honesty, the memories…keep writing
Thank you. I will.
You too.
I loved the dignity with which you put this. How incredibly blessed you all are to have him with you still! Thank you for blessing my day! <3
Your kind words mean so much to me.
Thank you.
I can only imagine the mixed emotions that ramble through your mind. I pray for you and for him. “Even so, Come, Lord Jesus.”
So true.
I enjoyed the Poem and the pictures were so fun to look through. Thank you for sharing and being a part of the #UBC. Have a great week.
Thank you so much.