For my Dad! I know you're dancing with the angels now, with your yellow plaid jacket on ...
Ready, Set - Go Home
by Jody R Goode
12/25/00 (Dad died 1/8/01)
My blessed one, it’s almost time -
Are you ready to come Home to Me?
Oh, no - not just yet.
So much to do; so many to love.
Are You sure it’s me - me You seek?
My blessed one, yes, it’s you - you I seek.
Through your love and through your laughter; through your life,
you’ve blessed My Heart.
Now I long to have you here - to have you here with Me.
You simply do not know how much you’ve done;
The bounty of hearts your love has filled -
many whose feet shall follow after the path your feet have tread.
If you don’t come Home, how will they follow
and find their way to Me?
My blessed one, do set your affairs in place, but -
There is one more favor I ask before you leave…
Will you bear the burden of pain, all for the sake of My Holy Name?
I know this trial you’ll face with great courage and with strength.
A legacy left and ne’er forgotten.
My blessed one, you have My Word -
I shall stand by those you’ve left behind.
Yes, I promise - both in Spirit and in Truth -
as you’ve loved and cared for them, so shall I until the end.
So My blessed one, will you now come Home - come Home to be with Me?
I think I’m ready…
All things are set…
Yes it’s time, I shall go Home - go Home to be with You.
Good-bye for now, my dear loved ones,
but, do remember this, my final note…
I shall never be but a heartbeat away,
for Home is as it’s always been,
that place your heart has found its rest,
that special place to hang its coat.
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Deborah, this poem touched my heart more than you could possibly know. I lost my Dad at 84, in 2007, my husband at 57 in 2008 and my mother four months later at 82. Then my sister's husband passed in Jan. of 2009. A lot of heartache in the last few years ... but "I shall never be but a heartbeat away" brought tears to my cheeks ... it also brought comfort. A wonderful poem .. your Dad must be smiling down on you from heaven, Deborah!
Oh Jody, this was so beautiful. Just last week we heard of the death of a truly lovely Christian gentleman after a short battle with cancer. From what we heard, both he and his family were such a shining witness to everyone they came in contact with. Still, even though everyone knows that this gentleman is with the Lord, there is still the pain of loss for those who are left behind. I think your poem would be a great comfort to many who have either just experienced the loss of a loved one, or are going through a terminal illness themselves. With love, Deb
