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A Letter To My Father

Dear Dad We know time is running out, you are at the end of your life I promise my best to continue to look after mum, your ever-loving wife The last few months have been so so so difficult for us all God has his place in heaven for you, you will respond to his call Since you got diagnosed in June with two types of cancer It has brought us all closer together; family time is the answer We sat and looked at photos together I discovered things anew How you were in the Lithuanian resistance – oh how I admire you We've talked together for hours and hours and put our ghosts to rest Dad I treasure every moment we have together, you simply are the best I know the future will be difficult when you finally leave Many sad tears will be shed, we will all reminisce and grieve But happy memories will remain, I will never forget your smiling face I will carry this in my heart and wish you were still here to embrace I will sign off this letter and give you all my love forever Your ever-loving daughter 09~03~14 Contest: Maybe the Last Letter Sponsor: Elly Wouterse

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Patricia Bernard

Date: 9/16/2014 8:43:00 AM

I don't have the courage to write a letter to my daddy as I am a daddy's little girl so I wrote mine as if I was reading his this seems more real to me thanks I cried ..... good luck...Tricia

Jan Allison
Date: 9/16/2014 10:37:00 AM

This letter is written from the heart Patricia as my dad has terminal cancer. Hugs Jan xxx

Brenda Meier-Hans

Date: 9/4/2014 7:10:00 PM

You brought me to tears knowing what you are going through. Beautifully you have opened your heart.

Jan Allison
Date: 9/4/2014 7:13:00 PM

Thanks Brenda - he goes into Hospice next week for respite so I am getting away for a few days knowing he is is the best hands and he is so so so happy there bless him it is like a 5* hotel:-) Hugs Jan xx

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 9/4/2014 12:04:00 AM

A beautiful letter, Jan. I wish you all the best in the contest. Hugs and Love and Prayers, Gina

Jan Allison
Date: 9/4/2014 12:06:00 AM

Thanks Regina - have just read your 2 latest - wow you inspire me! Hugs jan xxx

John Posey

Date: 9/3/2014 11:27:00 PM

Such a beautiful tribute to your Dad..... I can identify with what his feelings must have been on reading it...... You have endeared yourself to him forever..... Jake

Jan Allison
Date: 9/3/2014 11:31:00 PM

My parents weren't even aware i had started writing poetry until recently - mum doesn't know about my husbands cancer so I would have to be careful what they see. Hugs Jan xx

Jan Allison
Date: 9/3/2014 11:30:00 PM

I wrote it last night John he hasn't seen it - maybe he never will I am undecided at the moment - bit like the words of Nights in White Satin by the moody blues. Hugs jan xxx

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 9/3/2014 5:50:00 PM

WOW, Jan, your true life experience was the perfect inspiration for this amazing entry into the contest. If this does not take first place, I will eat my hat!!!

Jan Allison
Date: 9/3/2014 5:56:00 PM

Thanks Andrea for the lovely comment - a win would be lovely but it is not important - it is written from the heart and cathartic for me. I do hope Elly likes it as it means a great deal to me:-) hugs Jan xx

Richard Lamoureux

Date: 9/3/2014 5:02:00 PM

Very moving, cancer can indeed be a blessing. Many people pass away without notice and their loved ones are left with words unsaid. If we become sick we live our last days with intention and it can be a true healing process. for some the knowing can lead to their salvation. Your poem is a lovely decription of the value of our humanity. Well expressed Elly.

Jan Allison
Date: 9/3/2014 5:05:00 PM

My father is at peace with the world he knows he is dying and happy to go to St Peter. Despite 2 different cancers he has no pain which is truly a blessing but he is weakening day by day - so hard to see him fading in front of my eyes yet his smile is always there Richard:-) Hugs Jan xxx

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 9/3/2014 4:41:00 PM

Dear Jan, I'm sad to hear about your father's illness if this is based on personal experience. We have to make the most of every moment as the song "In the Living Years" says. Deeply moving, my friend. I believe we reunite with our loved ones in eternal life and that affords some comfort. God bless you. Love, Carolyn

Jan Allison
Date: 9/3/2014 4:48:00 PM

After 6 weeks in hospital from early May my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer at the beginning of June Carolyn. It has been a roller coaster of emotions but I cherish every day we have left together. The living years is a song we could all learn from - its too late when they are gone to say things you should say now:-) Hugs Jan xxx

Charmaine Chircop

Date: 9/3/2014 4:28:00 PM

Your words are full.of love for your Dad.Ow yes from every situation ,even if its a moment of someone being ill,beautiful things happen.You got closer,you got to feel that father and daughter's bond as if when once a little child once again.Isnt that amazing,even if the idea of your dad going to the land of no tears bring heartache due to his absence.A very profound and moving letter from a loving daughter to her hero dad.

Jan Allison
Date: 9/3/2014 4:31:00 PM

Thanks Charmaine for your heartfelt comments i do appreciate your kind words. Hugs Jan xx

Maurice Yvonne

Date: 9/3/2014 4:04:00 PM

i am crying at the moment i can't help myself. all the love i have Jan, God bless your loving heart.

Jan Allison
Date: 9/3/2014 4:14:00 PM

Thanks Maurice been a long emotional day but my endoscopy scan was clear - no cancer so I am in a good place in my life - I know its going to be tough but with lovely friends I will get through:-) hugs Jan xxx

Tim Smith

Date: 9/3/2014 3:35:00 PM

How beautiful Jan...It has brought me to tears...I was with my Dad his last few years but his mind of the present was gone...He did tell beautiful stories of the past like they just had happened...Cherish your time still left with him....Love and Hugs Tim

Jan Allison
Date: 9/3/2014 3:38:00 PM

Thanks Tim. I cherish every day - he is back in hospice next week when I am away but he is in good hands:-) Amazing how I have found such comfort in my writing never imagined how it would change my life for the better and bring wonderful friends like you into my life:-) Love and hugs back Jan xx