Traveling always causes me to stop and think. Where am I going? Why am I leaving? How am I going this fast? That last one is mainly a question I have on planes. They go so fast!!
This weekend Hannah and I returned to Macomb, this time for a funeral. My grandpa, Richard Vick (a.k.a. Dick, a.k.a. Myles Coverdale) passed away, so the family got together to celebrate his life. Stories were shared, music was made, and a few tears were shed. Some of sadness, more of laughter. My grandpa really lived an enviable life. In 88 years, he saw his children and grandchildren grow up. I am going to miss him, but I felt comforted by all the great memories I had with him. Here's a poem I think my grandpa might have liked. Also included is a wonderful painting that came up in my DailyArt app. It inspired this post because of it's 'reflective' nature.
Richard Vick, a man was he
Broad in shoulder, tall, and lean
Rail lines feared his hammer twirl
Fought for freedom across the world
Dark ink his pen did skillfully pour
It's might surpassed the sharpest sword
Full of wisdom, full of wit
Went toe to toe with the Laureate
Expertly versed in tales galore
Beowulf, Arthur, Gawain, and more
Though his body bent with age
Until the end remained a sage
Taught left from right and right from wrong
And often taught with silly song
The lessons shared with those who heard
Still help us shape our thoughts and words
The lucky few who called him kin
Know what a boon he's always been
Grandpa, Richard, Dad, or Dick
A friend to all was Richard Vick
- g.s. coverdale
Water Lilies (Agapanthus) - Claude Monet, ca. 1915-26