“He didn't tell me how to live;

He lived, and let me watch him do it.” 

Clarence Budington Kelland

Five years ago today

You rode off into the sunset

And as I pen this with misty eyes

I haven’t stopped missing you yet

You were a proud World War II veteran

Who never relished fighting a war of course

But you believed that freedom had a price tag

And you courageously joined the Army Air Corp

You became my childhood hero

You taught me right from wrong

You always led others by example

Honesty was truly your theme song

You worked extremely hard and diligently

To provide for your ever expanding family

You always respected your own parents

And you truly loved laughing with glee

You were my partner in family jokes

Your were truly a jack of all trades

You were a loving husband and father

To face tomorrow you were never afraid

You never made an earthly fortune

But you left me a truly rich heritage

And you were always there for me

In times of need you were my bridge

I remember the pride in your eyes

The day I received my college degree

And how you skillfully helped me pick out

That first new old car of mine with glee

You always cherished a really well told joke

Western movie matinees were our Saturday joy

I loved helping you fix things around the house

You truly made a man out of your eldest boy

I picture you now riding through the heavens

And I truly try to be happy for you not sad

But I know that until the day that I die

I’m always going to miss you Dad

And I truly hope that some glorious day

I can join you up there riding through the sky

Being your sidekick galloping through the heavens

Would truly be my very greatest joy and pride

Five years ago today

You rode off into the sunset

And as I pen this with misty eyes

I haven’t stopped missing you yet

©2005, Ed Kostro