From his son – until that time…

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry

I look at the frail man
lying in the hospice bed
whose body is slowly giving up.
My eyes close.

Is he my father?
The pillar in my life?

It’s tough to accept
because
my father stands next to me
in the 8×10 frame
on the peak
of San Gorgonio mountain,
highest in Southern California.

At 65, he hiked
up and down that mountain,
18 miles round trip.
Sun hat, t-shirt, long pants,
smile, heart full of adventure,
this man, so full of life.

The end of his trail draws near.
Grief will find its way, no doubt.
and I will surrender,
then I will shout to the universe
in celebration
of the incredible man he used to be.

Until that time,
I look at his face,
I bend down to kiss him
on the forehead.
I focus on his good eye,
and I see my wonderful father
who stood beside me
on that mountain top.

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.
My father-in-law always says, “Until that time.”

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65 thoughts on “From his son – until that time…”

  1. It’s really difficult to watch those we love age. My grandmother is in her late nineties but I still think of her as she was when I was growing up.

  3. Many of us can identify with your situation, Lauren, and we share your emotions. Some of my friends had no parents to grow old with (either orphaned or fostered) and they don’t have to go through this painful time of loss, but then I think of what they have missed. “Better to have loved and lost….”

    1. You bring up such a profound viewpoint, Anneli, and I agree with you. I feel for those who didn’t or don’t have loving parents. And though we’re witnessing the inevitable slowly, we do have time with him, time to say our good-byes. Thanks for your comment. 🩷

  4. Lauren,
    It is so difficult to say goodbye to those we dearly love. I can understand these emotions as I have been there many times. I feel your love through your words.
    Blessings and a big Hug!
    Lisa xoxo

  7. What a nice poem once again Lauren – it’s full of love and emotions. We can feel the joy of what was and the sadness of what will come. But being there for the ones we love till the end is a precious gift, for them, for us.
    Sending you my best friendly wishes ❤️❤️❤️

  9. Its these wonderful memories that get us through. So well put in this heartfelt poem. Your husband is fortunate to have your loving support.

    1. I agree about the memories, Darlene, and thanks so much. He has been thanking me left and right for helping in any way I can and for being by his side. But I wouldn’t be anywhere else but by his side. It’s been tough for him and his brother. 💙

  15. You’re blessed to be by his bedside to care for him, Lauren. It’s hard to say goodbye. I wasn’t there to say goodbye to my parents. They were in Hong Kong. Hubby and I were there to see his mom in her last days but we weren’t there when she passed away.
    What a compassionate poem you have! 💖

    1. We are, Miriam, and thanks for your lovely words. I’m sorry to hear about not seeing your parents. I only saw my mom and dad just before they passed 5 years apart. They were in Southern California. Not far, but far enough when things happen suddenly. And thank you about the poem too. Hugs ❤️

  21. Beautiful and lovely poem for all the people who grow to be senior in life, Lauren. We enjoy seeing our father and mother and we with them in photos too. Get back our loved memories. Lovely poem 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

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