• if you can love someone and lose him
    but keep him alive in you each day
    if you can see a bit of him inside
    the traits to help you find your way
    if you believe in how he lived his life
    take pride in what hes done
    if you hope to pass it on someday
    as he did son to son

    if you can dream of him beside you
    and still see his smile so wide
    if you can give in to the sorrow
    as the beach gives in to tide
    if you can cry when your heart is breaking
    yet you can let your spirit soar
    your soul will sing his praises
    sing louder than the oceans roar

    if you can stand among the waves
    with an open mind and heart
    if you can remember summers past
    as though you never were apart
    if the oceans smell reminds you
    of the love he had for you
    of how he nurtured a zest of learning
    and of trying something new

    if one day the skies are darkened
    when you were expecting there be sun
    if you can in the storm find beauty
    then you will have already won
    if you can bear to hear the thunder
    if you embrace the feel of rain
    when all around you there is grumbling
    you will be the one to gain

    if you can see your lifes story
    as footsteps in warm wet sand
    creating memories and dreams
    your past and your future hand in hand
    for if home is where your story starts
    and the beach is along lifes way
    papaw taught me to love the journey
    and to pass that love along one day

    if when you lose your fathers father
    you can keep his memory strong
    if you remain hopeful for the future
    if you remember you belong
    though the ocean is owned by no one
    he passed the love of it down to me
    the relentless rolling of the waves
    that i will one day bring my son to see.

    crying