ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

One year ago, I was remembering time spent with family and the laughter we shared together. When the clock showed the ending of that day, I had no idea that my life would change drastically within a short span of time. Life is very fragile. It can go from one extreme to another in just of few hours. We knew, as a family, that our patriarch was longing for his place in heaven. His body had endured pain, thoughts of dying and the loss of vigor and strength. He hung tightly to life, feeling that he still had work to do for the Lord, but it was time. The next day – the first day of this year – he went to be with Jesus. A part of me died with him that day, but his art has been his legacy to us. Each day, as I posted a painting, sketch or piece of sculpture, I had him right beside me. The poem I’m posting today was written in 2018. It is a tribute to the man I loved for over sixty years. His memory will remain in my heart until we’re united again.

The years of more than eighty-three, have drifted quickly by,

I’ve shuffled on this rugged orb, I’ve laughed a lot and cried,

Fell hopelessly in love one day, the true love of my life,

I gave my heart to him alone, when he took me as his wife,

We watched three precious children grow, we stretched each single cent,

What we gave up, we did for them, and out the money went,

As parents we don’t often think of what the cost might be,

For if we did, the chances are, no children would we see,

Our lives rolled on as theirs did too, they fledged out on their own,

They found careers that filled their lives, but still they were alone,

When love found them and touched their hearts, life’s cycle turned once more,

They pledged their lives to those they loved, they opened life’s great door,

So many years and memories can fill us to the brim,

The days are marked off quickly, our eyesight may turn dim,

Our bodies lose their power and strength, our minds may also fail,

The simple things we used to do, are lost to no avail,

Old age is harder than you think, just wait ’til you get there,

Your skin will hang on withered bones, you start to lose your hair,

Your waning physical prowess, has all but lost the war,

You’re wrinkled and you’re weakening, your muscles are so sore,

You’re cranky and impatient too, you can’t escape the truth,

You’re not much longer for this world, your drooling is uncouth,

You’ve turned into a child once more, you need another’s aid,

Is this all there is left for you, is this why you were made,

Of course, I know that isn’t true, for this is just the start,

My dying wish will be fulfilled, it’s written on my heart,

No matter what I’ve done in life, no matter where I roam,

My fate is sealed through Jesus, Christ and heaven is my home.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER YEAR. THOUGH LIFE CHANGES DAILY, I KNOW THAT YOU NEVER DO. PREPARE MY HEART FOR YOUR KINGDOM.