15 Years of Memories (and more)

When I was 8 and you were 15

I remember the wonder of electronics you introduced me to

Look where it went

When I was 15 and you were 22

You were the brother with the apartment we could hang out in

Eating home made spare ribs, and Sukiyaki cooked at the table

I've watched all the kids cross the 15 year old line

Learning about the world. The world without you now

Someday the grandkids will be 15

We all make sure they know who you are

And how much of you we see in everyone

Rest my brother

We've got this

But, we miss you terribly

A poem for Paul

14 Years have passed us by

While families grow and on we fly

I hope you know what good things befell 

To your family and friends since you said farewell

Keep an eye on us from time to time

With the occasional joke dropped at the appropriate time

Because I know it's you that hides my pen

But also makes sure that we all win again

We're still here Paul. And I know you're proud.

Families grow, people grow. The world turns and we get a little more gray.

Make a wish.

The seeds carry on our breath

and the wind does the rest.

Life springs

where it lands

making tiny sunshine.

A ray of hope

destined to offer 

more wishes to the hopeful.

I wish you could see us now.

What a year.  You're a grandpa again!  COVID continues, and has changed the world fundamentally, for good, and bad.  I'm a homeowner again, and all of the kids are heading in good directions, making good life choices.  I'm teaching.  I like this.  All of it.  Except what's missing.  Happy birthday Paul!

A Poem From Sue for 2020

 

posted for the thirteenth anniversary of Paul's passing:

Photo by AmyLovesYah - Flickr

December 22, 2020

In Remembrance of Paul

Twelve years plus one 

Around the Moon, Stars & Sun.

You've traveled them all

My dear friend Paul

You've caught stardust,

Thrown it down in from

Your place in the Heavens

Tossing the colors of the

Seasons all around

Of Winter, Spring, Summer, & Fall

You've watched them all

From where you are

Creating magic for Jordan Paul

A new life is soon to be

Did you whisper to Jordy

"Call her Jelly"?

 

I think of all the places

You could be,

You were most happy with

Your family

And those of us whom

You called friends

Were blessed beyond

The Moon and Stars

Where you have been traveling afar.

I know you met my Mom that night

At the end of this past November

Twenty two days away from this December day

On Christmas I will toast to both,

And all who've gone before

To all that was and is to come

Let Love carry you all home.

Love Always, & Always, 

Your friend Sue

Happy Birthday Paul

I'm not sure where to start.  I'm missing Paul terribly today, on what would have been his 62nd birthday.  I wonder how he would have managed himself through these strange times.  I'm incredibly sad picturing him trying to play with Jordan with a mask on.  Paul loved all that was new, and fascinating, as I do.  These new technologies, and gadgets would have kept him occupied.  He'd love being in these times.  We'd all love it if that were possible.  In the meantime enjoy these happy Spring flowers.  Happy Birthday Paul.

Marching Through Time, and a Dozen Years Fly By

Short and to the point on this 12th anniversary of a sad goodbye:

You Should Be In This Picture

Peace to all of you

11

This classic exchange today, on the 11th anniversary of Paul leaving us.  So much to talk about this year.  Our return to the Hudson Valley, officially graduating from college, Steph and Joe moving into their first house. More babies!  Things are going well.  As well as they can go without him here.  I still have those moments, now over a decade later, where I want to pick up the phone and tell Paul about a Monty Python Moment that occurred, usually during my commute.  I've been seriously considering finding a storytelling group somewhere and honing my abilities by spinning a good tale or two. Maybe telling Paul stories at The Moth or somewhere else in the city is something to aspire to.  We miss you!