When I think of you, you’re throwing rocks
into the ocean to the delight of your grandkids.

You’re fishing. Or playing golf.
Or putting together a puzzle.

You’re eating anything and everything
put in front of you, but especially

Sunday cornbread and green beans
that have been cooked all day long.

When I think of you, you’re laughing,
or you’re swooning over mom.

 Or both. Mostly both.
You made the world a better place.

There was no such thing as a stranger
when you were around.

Your happiness changed a room. 
You understood how people ticked, and

that kindness made them tick better.
Whenever I had a difficult decision

Dad, you were my source of good advice.
I could count on you to see the big picture,

the patient view of the right path.
You taught us that every person you meet

is worthy of “hello.”
A true southern gentleman,

you were everyone’s long-lost friend.
To be around you was to be wholly cherished.

 I’ll never forget the tears in your eyes
while you listened to my flute recitals. 

Your unconditional love made everything easy.
Joe, the way you looked at me on our wedding day

 was the way you looked at me every day after.
Any woman would be lucky to be loved the way

you loved me, but I was the lucky woman you loved.
You slowed me down long enough to appreciate

every single detail in this wonderful world.
I see birds now. I notice flowers.

I look up when a cloud catches my eye.
We know you’re with us whenever we hear wind

in the trees or waves on the water.
You’re with us whenever we witness kindness

or hear a really good joke.
Which reminds me, thank you Poppi for that funny face

you always made with your lip. And for that time
when I ran through the house and you came around

the corner, and instead of scaring me, you made me laugh.
And thank you for the Oberweis ice cream.

You were the most wonderful company.
And you gave the best hugs.

Like the stone you always carried in your pocket, 
we will move forward carrying your optimism

and your curiosity. Carrying your smile and your joy.
Cherishing our lives and living them to the fullest,

 knowing that because of you, laughter, love, and family
is everywhere, is always, is now.