A Father’s Goodbye By Jerry Dreesen    “Come, it’s over,” she said. “We must leave now.” Slowly, tenderly, she touched my shoulder. “There is nothing left to do.” No. There is nothing left to do. I cannot hope or wish…or cry any longer. He is gone. The eulogy has been given. Friends expressed their grief. Some embarrassed at their awkwardness, others unable to speak of such a loss, have left. I cannot leave my son – not yet. I have watched him suffer, now let me watch him rest. “Please, Jerry, please,” Sandy, tear-strained and weary from the burden of loving and caring for this child – yet so strong, knows it is time to say goodbye. Not yet, not yet. Even in grief I feel relieved – and he must forgive me. Forgive me – please forgive my uselessness. I could never stop the sun from setting, nor could I stop the nights from growing cold. I could not change the chemistry that bore your early death. No, my son, no…I could not stop you from dying. Somehow, I know your short life, seemingly ended, has transformed itself into living strength for me and your mother. Your pain becomes our compassion; your suffering, our tolerance. Your smile and laughter gives birth to our joy… It is time to say goodbye. Life goes on and we are better for having loved him.

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