10-23-2016
I wrote this after the 24 year anniversary of my Father’s passing.  I so hope my children remember-the good and the difficult.

Do you remember
him?
The “Pop” that
loved to play
to bring you
stuffed animals
and trinkets.
Going up to his house,
playing hide and seek
with your cousin Charlie.
And how kind he
was to make sure
everyone was included.
Will you remember
the grandfather that
didn’t give me trouble,
That wanted to be at
the big events of your
life.
But sometimes failed,
because of alcoholism.
He loved you but it
called to him,
and sometimes messed
up, reunions and parties.
Sometimes there was
disappointment and
at times anger from
your mother over his
intoxication.
I was so proud of you,
at the funeral,
you weren’t afraid,
but you were so
young at seven and eight.
Will you remember?
The good things about
him, not the failure
in his choices,
but that of love, of
success, of Buddism,
food and politics, of
bridge and beauty
and travel and good
books like the Art Of
Motorcycle Maintenance.
Let him be the angel
on your shoulder,
love life, choose love,
say yes to adventure,
Take him with you.
Don’t forget both his
successes and failures.
Remember to remember.

Julie Roberts