I learned of life, as I started to see and grow
And listened all day, as I followed Mom, in tow
The sights all about me, brought wonder to my eyes
And I learned of life’s joy, which my parents idolized
My Mom and Dad, each gave me their love
For I was their delight, sent from Heaven above
I grew out of my diapers, as I’m now into pants
And I developed the ability, to say no and have rants
But, all that I knew, one day turned upside down
As my Mom and my Dad, tried hiding their frowns
Now whispering became the norm, in my loving abode
I was confused, in a fog, I had no signals to decode
My Mom was often crying, and my Dad was home a lot
I guessed there was something, but what, I knew not
Dad played less each time, and slept through the day
We played when he could, my Dad was ill, in some way
I cried on that day, when they sat down by my side
They told me the truth, that my Dad would soon die
I sat there in tears, they said his sickness had no answer
Asking them why, they explained softly, he has cancer
Was G-d punishing me, when I said no and had rants
Did my parents sin, or failed in some worthy observance
So I cry silently praying, for his illness to be cured
Mom says he is here now, so we will just endure
So, we talk and play games, while I snuggle up to him
He says what he hopes, thoughts to inspire my within
I leave while he rests, with a sad smile on my face
For I know he’ll always be with me, as I run my life’s race
Dad has crossed over, into the Heaven’s above
But he leaves Mom and me, with his everlasting love
We face a new reality, a lost love and deep sadness
Yet, I still hear his words, cause I still feel his presence
-Jeffrey Dien, member of GCW Caregiver group