>What’s Playing on the iPod right now: “A Change Gonna Come” – Sam Cooke
Been dealing with some family drama. My stepfather passed last Saturday and we had the funeral today. Even though he was sick for awhile, it still came as a shock. This man had been with my mother for 20 years. I remember Coach, that’s what we called him, would always be ready with a smile and was always willing to help you however he could. When I was in college, he would come by the dorm with a sack of grocery and take me out to dinner. He loved my mother and took care of her. I couldn’t have asked for a better father. Thinking about all the times we spent together, I composed a poem to honor him. My sisters and I read it at the funeral. Here it is:
BONUS DAD
With this ring, a man took a wife
And three little girls were included
That man entered all of our lives
No one was ever excluded
It takes a special kind of man
To walk into a ready made family
But he assumed the responsibility and loved us all
Always with a smile
And a story filled with wisdom
He gave correction with a smile
Quick to offer assistance
A strong, gentle teddy bear
The Rhett sisters were truly blessed
He was there for weddings, holidays, celebrations
And graduations
Our children were his grandchildren
He showered them with adulation
And as we grew and moved away
We took comfort in the fact
That this man would take care of our mom
And always have our backs
He may not have been there at our births
But he was there to nurture and guide us
We got a double dose of love
The Rhett sisters were truly blessed
Never considered a stepfather
Loved as a parent
This man is known as Coach
Our Bonus Dad.
This man was a major influence on my life and I will miss him. What a man, what a man. What a mighty good man.
Peace.