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Rhymes & Reasons

Category: News & Current Events / Topics: Birthdays & Annivesaries Dying and Death Memories Tribute, Testimony

A Final Birthday Wish

by Greg Asimakoupoulos

Posted: March 16, 2008

What do you give a dying dad?…

Today's my father's last birthday
before he passes on.
The cancer's traveled through his bones.
I know he'll soon be gone.

His face is gaunt. His body's frail.
Yet in his tired eyes
I still can see a gleam of hope
his shriveled frame denies.

He doesn't want a piece of cake.
He has no need for gifts.
Our presence is what he wants most.
That's what gives him a lift.

Surrounded by the ones he loves,
my dad flashes a smile.
That boyish grim I've cherished since
I was a chubby child.

He smiled when I learned to walk.
When I first rode a bike.
He beamed with pride to see me preach
behind a pulpit mike.

He smiled at my firstborn's birth.
He grinned when I went gray.
His knowing smile eased the pain
when our pet passed passed away.

Today he's 82 years old.
The age at which he'll die.
The thought of it knots up my gut.
I breathe a heavy sigh.

I also breathe a whispered prayer
of gratitude and praise.
My father's impact on my life
will last beyond his days.



Search all articles by Greg Asimakoupoulos

Greg Asimakoupoulos (pronounced AWESOME-uh-COPE-uh-less) is an ordained minister, published author and chaplain to a retirement community in the Pacfic Northwest. Greg maintains a blog called Rhymes and Reasons, which he graciously provides to SeniorLifestyle.

Greg's writings have now been assembled in book form. See the SeniorLifestyle Store.

E-mail the author (moc.loa@veRemosewA*) Author's website (personal or primary**)

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Posted: March 16, 2008   Accessed 117 times

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