One of my nephews (age 58) suffered a massive stroke on January 16 that left him with greatly diminished ability to communicate. He could not walk or use his right arm much. He went from hospital to rehab to a care facility where he lived (?) until he died on May 16. On June 16, I attended his memorial service and read this poem I had written for him. I loved him dearly.
For Ken
I remember you as cherished child—
the faded photo featuring
three little cousins sitting on a step
you were the two-year-old
sweet little blond boy
with big brown eyes
I remember you as terrible teen—
every issue requiring debate
every topic subject to argument
nothing beyond questioning
I remember you as maverick man—
your kind and generous heart
your tender thoughtfulness
your gentle spirit
sometimes buried beneath
blankets of indignation
eyes shooting fire of outrage
voice shaking with fury
at the injustices of the world
at the unfairness of life
Your illness and death a lesson in unfair—
untimely, unexpected, unwanted—
You were not through with living
We were not prepared to lose you
But you slipped away that spring afternoon
free from the fetters of frustration
liberated from the long loneliness
ready to roam without restraint
And when you are ready to rest—
Rest in peace, beloved grandpa, father, son
Rest in peace, beloved brother, friend
Rest in peace, dear one, rest in peace
©2012 Lois Tschetter Hjelmstad
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