R.I.P.

When your mother was a child
We used to play, oh, so many things
We'd make up wonderful places
Make up fairies and kings
And I'd love to play with you too
If my old bones would let me
Love to make memories with you
So you wouldn't forget me
But you are so young
There hasn't been time
To make up worlds
Or silly songs that rhyme
You're so very small
Not yet even two
And I'm so very old
There's not much left I can do . . .

So this is goodbye
Though we've hardly said hello
And I'm sorry to leave you so soon
Sorry I have to go
But I'm giving you this rhyme
So that when you're older you can look back
And know how much this family loves you
Even the grandparents you will lack

Now my daughter will be strict
But she'll have your best intentions in mind
And so will my son in law
But they'll both also love you and be kind
You haven't met your grandmother
My wife died before you were born
But even now I know she loves you
And that belief deserves no scorn
Know that you are loved
Even when things don't go right
Know that you are cherished
Even when there's a fight
Know that life will go on
Even when at its worst
Know that your parents will always be there
They'll always put you first

Have a wonderful life, my child
I hope its full of laughter
I hope you accomplish everything you want to
I hope you have a happily ever after
And when you too are old and gray
I hope you'll still remember
Your loving grand-poppy
Who died the twenty-sixth of September