Eulogy To a Friend

EULOGY TO A FRIEND A hearty smile, a welcoming hand reached out to me one day; Somehow I knew another friend had come into my way. And every week when he’d see me, I’d see that smile and hand; Somehow I knew as I watched him he was a Godly man. He liked to fish, he loved his church, he loved his family, too, And as he stood each time to pray, his caring heart I knew. And then the time came that he lay there on that narrow bed, Not knowing what they’d find inside; the moments he did dread. One day I came into that room and saw again that man, And once again before I left he reached out with his hand. I knew now it was for a prayer, and as I cried and knelt, Somehow I knew that friendship bond I once again had felt. Now he is gone, but left behind are warm, fond memories Of one I gladly called a friend and will miss especially. But I know that when he passed through death’s valley deep and wide, A hearty smile, a welcoming hand was on the other side. He’d made his peace with God above; he knew where he would go, And now he dwells forever more where pain he’ll never know. He joins the throngs who went before into that glorious land, Seeing each smile from all the saints and shaking every hand. So I say my farewells to him and share the grief today; A loving man, a friend of mine has quickly gone away. But I, like you who know the Lord, have hope that cannot dim: Some day his smile and welcoming hand I know I’ll see again. Written in memory of J. Blair Greenwald.