And After

September 13th, 2023

To live a life without regrets,
    One on your own terms and in your own way,
    Of your own rules, a mold of your own clay.

As a guide, led by those before you,
    An obligation to those who come after you,
    To those who have lost their light,
    To those in a new land, a new culture, a new life.

As an exemplar, a role model, a bastion of support,
    A father, grandfather,
    Partner, brother, uncle, mother,
    Sister, friend, chosen family
    A source for those in need.

As a constant presence,
    To express love, affection, adoration,
    Even with words or without.

To be relied upon and be reliable,
    Food on the table,
    Clothes on their backs,
    For those you cherish to never want for anything.

To celebrate the wins, however simple,
    But to never forget the losses -- however small.

To find the tiniest moments of joy, the humor -- 
    But to not dismiss the pangs of sadness,
    The impetus for growth.

To continue the legacy of those who preceded you,
    But to cultivate one for the generations to follow,
    To have touched the lives of so many,
    Like ripples on lake water from a stone's throw.

To be revered and respected for your
    Life experience, wisdom, pride, and passion.

To be admired and adored for your spirit and verve.

To be loved,
    Before, during, and after
    This life.

I think we all deserve that.