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Oh, Father of Mine

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This past winter, I visited my father, whom I had rarely seen during my life. He was then put  in something called "comfort care" in a rehab center of Olympia, WA and his wife Cleofe was visiting him daily. She has always been like a saint for him! My father was in the Korean War where his mental illness manifested and he was never the same after he returned to my mother. His doctor this year gave him both a shingles shot and a flu vaccine at the same time ( I am SO PISSED off at our medical system). The next day he awoke unable to walk. It was downhill since then, for he had to lie in a bed barely able to eat and suffering with many diseases, one of them a terrible infection called Cdiff , which he got from his immune level being so low.

I know my father is going to go to a much better place, where his full health will be restored.. This is my tribute to him which hopefully I may read at his funeral this coming Thursday. He passed away  the first day of summer, June 21, 2019. He was 9 days short of his 89th birthday.

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Oh father of mine - who long has withstood trials to which I can’t even relate - how sad you must feel – how misunderstood. On your deathbed you lie, filled not with hate. Unable am I to communicate with you very well, for thus is our fate. Oh father of mine, long-faced much like me, with eyes like mine too, but more tinged with blue, any words you might say – a rarity- I try so hard to elicit from you. Word that would show me what I never knew - the “you” that my mother knew. . . but years flew. Oh father of mine, years flew to this time where I sit by your bed, watching you die - all questions unanswered - as I write this rhyme. Mental illness estranged you from me. Now I am here- but lacking emotion to cry as mortality I’m seeing fly by. I hope in the next life, oh, father of mine, our feelings and thoughts at last can entwine. May 5, 2019 For The Urban Sonnet Poetry Contest of Emile Pinet My father is at last at peace. He passed away June of 2019.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2019




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Date: 6/23/2019 1:18:00 PM
Beautiful...You should read it...i'm sure he would like it...My Father died 3 years ago... My condolences to you and yours...
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Date: 6/23/2019 1:00:00 AM
Touchingly beautiful ... fervent tribute ... Best wishes, Andrea ...
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Date: 5/8/2019 5:42:00 PM
A sad but beautiful poetic tribute. Please check your soup mail.
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Date: 5/8/2019 3:30:00 PM
The bond between a father and daughter can be a magical thing. Before my Mother passed, her greatest fear had always to be a burden to her children. She was never a burden but a wonderful responsibility that we all gloriously shared. Stay strong.
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Date: 5/8/2019 7:45:00 AM
My heart has shed tears for every line that my eyes read. The last days of a war hero, the poor medical system, the unspoken emotions and the frozen tears... !!!!
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Andrea Dietrich
Date: 5/8/2019 11:25:00 AM
your comment shows me how perceptive you are! Thank you
Date: 5/7/2019 4:58:00 PM
Such a sad write for a war hero who served with honor...Hugs
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Date: 5/7/2019 4:12:00 PM
Sorry to hear about your father Andrea. I really beautiful tribute.
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Date: 5/7/2019 3:15:00 PM
Oh, my goodness. This is so beautiful and heart-wrenching, Andrea! Janice
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Date: 5/7/2019 3:05:00 PM
such a beautiful and profound tribute to your dad whom I know hears you are you write to him. such a longing for his ears which will be forever open to your wonderful talent to let him know you love him. bless both
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Date: 5/7/2019 6:48:00 AM
A sad but, well-penned sonnet that I am sure he would appreciate. Love and light wishes to you and your family.
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Date: 5/6/2019 5:05:00 PM
Andrea, let me say that although you did not mean too, if you substitute blue eyes for hazel eyes, you have written this for me and my father also, as it is perfect.
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Date: 5/6/2019 2:26:00 PM
Andrea, this is such a beautiful and touching tribute to your dad, it left my eyes a bit misty. Thank you for sharing this. John
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Date: 5/6/2019 12:57:00 PM
Your sharing here is so deeply touching. Dam wars, they should never have been. Its unhumane, and everyone pays the price for it. as for vaccines, here too they are giving shingle and flu to everyone, hubby is wondering if he should take it. I'm not sure these vaccines, are always safe. Thanks for sharing
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Date: 5/6/2019 8:38:00 AM
This is a moving tribute to you Father Andrea. I went through a similar experience last summer with my father. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this tender time. Dean
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Date: 5/6/2019 8:13:00 AM
So loving and tender..so artfully written in this difficult form...I hope your father reads your tribute of gratitude. A winner for me, Andrea.
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Date: 5/6/2019 2:37:00 AM
Andrea~ your Dad has na Outstanding daughter. Your Dad as is, no kidding is still the same Dad when well, If you can get that one, it's a miracle, I did with my Mom. And I stooped weeping over the past. Sounds nuts to many, it is not. I am sorry to know this, But, he is still here, as he is,better than. Underround, Panagiota am with you on the vaccines 125%
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Date: 5/5/2019 9:47:00 PM
A touching poem. To never know your Dad at his best but to honor him yet. The hope that one day you can meet the man you never met. <3 Kim
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Date: 5/5/2019 5:58:00 PM
Andrea, your poem strummed my heartstrings. I am so moved by your sonnet’s melancholy and verses of poignant beauty. Your tender personal note was truly appreciated, as well. Your poetic expression is exquisite as always. Warmest wishes for you and your father. ~Susan
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Date: 5/5/2019 5:06:00 PM
So sorry to hear that he is deteriorating Andrea I'm happy that you got to see him. Your sonnet is a beautiful tribute to him. Tom
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