Uncle Maynard

September 28, 2000

I wrote this poem the day I learned about my Great-Uncle Maynard's death from cancer. This poem was printed in the program of his funeral. Since he fought valiantly in World War II, they gave him a 3-gun salute at his burial, and the navy presented his widow with an American flag. It's times like this that make me proud and thankful to be an American and a member of such a wonderful family.

A lifetime of farming
A lifetime of joy and pain
A lifetime of gentleness and love
You made it through the Depression
You made it through the War
You made it through Y2K
You lived your life so well
You lived your life a child of God

Well done, Uncle Maynard!
You were an example to your family
An example to your friends
An example to all you met
I can almost hear God saying,
"Well done, My faithful son!"

What a relief to know your pain is gone!
I know you suffered so much
But I'm still sad that you are gone
I miss you, Uncle Maynard
I can't hold back my tears
There's a family here who misses you

But our sadness is tempered with joy
Joy to know we'll see you again
Joy to know you are healed
Joy to know your cancer is gone
Replaced by a dazzling robe
And a crown glittering with the jewels of Heaven

You are at peace
You are home
In the arms of our Great Father
Praising Him forevermore