A Special Friend

"A Special Friend" was the second poem I wrote about my wife's father. The first poem I wrote about him was in April of 1993 called "What Once Was,” written many years before he gave his life to the Lord while he was still in his mean and degrading stage of life. Years later he developed chronic COPD that eventually took his life.  After giving his life to the Lord, he truly became a different man and my wife was able to mend fences with her father before his passing. "A Special Friend" was the poem I wrote for her father, to read at his memorial service about my relationship with him during the last couple of years my wife and I took care of him.

This mission was a calling, that came from God Himself
of being there beside you, because your failing health.
Confined to just your wheelchair, and oxygen to breathe
your traveling days were over, and your friends you had to leave.

So I read the Bible to you, as much as you could stand
until you fell in love with Jesus and became a different man.
You mended all your squabbles, with people that you knew
asking for forgiveness, as God's forgiving you.

When no one else could hear you, you'd pray both day and night
and the Lord would stand beside you, to help you through your fight.
All the time we spent together, meant more than you could know
especially when you were in my car, and down the road, we'd go.

Just cruising with the top down, everywhere we went
you never failed to show me, what special friendship meant.
And when the fun was over, and we finished with the ride
I'd put you in your wheelchair, and wheel you back inside.

Movies, football, UFC and all the things we'd do
I realized you were there for me, as much as I for you.
But then one day God spoke to you while sitting on His throne
well done He said, I've seen enough, it's time to bring you home.

I often have to wipe my tears, until my eyes are sore
even though you're up in heaven, and suffer pain no more.
But then the Lord reminds me, the time will come again
when I'll leave this earth for heaven, and see my special friend.

By Dale Coolbaugh
4/24/18