My Dad was always there for me. He was a good man, always smiling and joking, always ready to help anyone.
He and Mum were married for 63 years. She was everything to him. 5yrs ago I moved to Australia after
15yrs in California. Seeing him nearly everyday since has been wonderful for me. My daughters got to really
know their Grandad and have good memories. I was with my Dad, holding him as he took his last breath.
I thought watching him as he left this world was the hardest thing I've ever done. Not seeing his face everyday
is proving to be just as hard. To help Mum and any of us who loved him so dearly deal with the simple fact
that he was gone I tried to think of what he might say.


A letter from my Dad

"The Miracle"

It was my choice to leave you all, but you know I had to leave.
Although you're going to miss me, for my body do not grieve
My pain is gone the sun is out and the air up here is sweet
So brave a smile, and wipe that tear until again we meet

My life was grand, I've no regrets, I did all there was to do
Yet still my darling Doris, I will miss holding you
But now I'll walk beside you, and should you shed a tear
You'll hear me say "Don't cry my love" when I whisper in your ear

To all my friends and family please, don't be sad that I am gone
I am in a better place, and you must soldier on
I shall live on, in each one of you, through a special memory shared
Oh what a lucky man I was, that so many people cared

I used to think of dying and like you, I wasn't sure
If I would ever laugh again, with those who'd gone before?
My family, friends, the ones I loved, would they be the same
They were, they are, how good it is to be with them again

There's James & Reg & Honey too, a reunion of them all
Everyone I've ever-known, even faces with names I don't recall
So it's not goodbye just au revoir, it's a hard thing to conceive
Yet take my word my dearest friends, close your eyes and you'll believe.

You see now I understand it all, no longer am I cynical
My life on earth my time with you, all of that's "The Miracle"
So thank you all for taking part, in the journey called my life
I especially want to thank YOU Doris, My Love, My All, My Wife

Now back to the party I must return, for everyone is waiting,
So much news to catch up on, like who Uncle Harry's dating
To dance again with both my legs and to toast the old and the new
But one thing is for certain Doris, the last waltz for you.




Love Always, Peter.
By Catherine Catlette