While He Was Here
Lyrics
Dad took a turn for the worse, So, Son, you better come back home If you want to say goodbye Before the slow turn to stone Drove all night, hell I ran the light And the nurse led me straight on in Where I stood bedside and held his hand While we watched his spirit dim He was a good man, taught me to stand The best I’ve ever known But the ground gave way when I heard 'em say They'd have his soul burned to bone So, I live this life I know I’m living ‘Stead of counting on another one But I’ll miss his smile, his ornery grin And the way he called me “Son” I’m glad we shared a place to dwell While he was here There’s comfort knowing he loved me well While he was here Preacher says he’s in a better place Singin’ with the heavenly fold Mama is sure he’s dancin’ with angels On them streets paved with gold Well maybe they’re right and the tunnel is bright When you get to the other end But I ain’t sure there’s a promised land ‘Cause I can’t see ‘round the bend So, if judgment awaits every man that dies No matter if he's young or old I hope dad walked through them pearly gates And that Jesus saved his soul But I live this life I know I’m living ‘stead of counting on another one But I’ll miss his smile, his ornery grin And the way he called me “Son” I’m glad we shared a place to dwell While he was here There’s comfort knowing he loved me well While he was here There’s comfort knowing he loved me well While he was here
The Story
My dad passed away a few months ago. I miss him dearly. He was a good man who was know for his faithfulness. He taught me how to live well and was a steady presence of wisdom and playful orneryness.
He died of heart failure, which is ironic since he had one of the best hearts I've ever known. Driving through the night to see him one last time before he passed is something I will never regret.
I remember being at his memorial service at the church where he worshipped and served, and so many of his friends were confident he was in a better place. I don't believe in Christianity, Jesus, or the afterlife anymore, but I don't fault them for their faith. They might be right after all. Instead of focusing on where I might go and who might be there when I arrive, I try to enjoy this life while I can because it's the only one I'm sure I get to live.
What do you think happens when we die, and how does that belief impact your relationships in the here and now?