#nofilter Grinders

I open my eyes; it is a Sunday morning.

Lee is lying next to me.

A beautiful wife, an incredible family,

How lucky could a guy ever be?

Izzy’s up and at’em, SpongeBob in the background,

Then there is my dear daughter Mettie, sleeping safe and sound.

Toast in the toaster, coffee in the pot, a toothbrush in between my fingers.

With everything to do, even a Sunday morning leaves no time to linger.

While Met’s at home and Lee & Iz are at church, I know I will see them soon.

I have to go see Mom, check on the house, and yes, get grinders for the afternoon.

Iz is in the TV room, almost set and ready.

She gives me her grinder order, and I know to get the usual for Mettie.

A quick kiss from Lee, a quick goodbye wave from Iz,

“See ya later Dad”, she says. I tell them to have fun at church,

And that I will be back in a whiz.

I give a pat to my girl Penny and hop in the Subaru.

I drive away while thinking about all the things I have to attend to.

Before I have coffee with Mom, I have to check on Auntie Ini’s old place,

But as I walk in the house, the look changes on my face.

I see the broken pipes; the flooded basement is a despair.

A dreaded feeling comes over me; I already just want to tear out my hair.

Suddenly I don’t feel right, everything is caving in.

My heart is quitting now on me, the objects start to spin.

I now lie at the bottom of the stairs, the end is drawing near.

I suddenly am full of fright, and yet I have nothing to fear.

What about my soul mate? And my daughters who are so young?

My girls of only 15 and 10; their lives have just begun.

I cannot leave them now like this, I say over and over in my head.

Then a voice is speaking out to me. “Billy, it’s time”, it calmly said.

I think of all the memories; my life is flashing by.

This isn’t how it’s supposed to be; I’m not supposed to die.

But the light is growing brighter, and the faces soon appear.

Dad, Arteo, Ini & the others are all lovingly drawing near.

I feel myself letting go, my last few moments on Earth.

It has been one hell of a journey here, from now and back to birth.

I love you Lisa, Iz, & Met, so much you will never know.

I will watch over you forever, through every field hockey game and talent show.

I see a river up there that is a perfect spot to fish.

I hope you know how sorry I am for leaving you,

That is my final wish.

Lee, be strong without me, the girls need you more than ever.

Our sacred love will remain always, floating like a feather.

Iz, you are my little bud, you have a special ticker.

With all the hopes and dreams in your heart, never let them flicker.

Mettie, you are so special to me, I’m sorry for all the little fights.

I will always be so proud of you, never let that out of sight.

The time has come,

It’s time to go,

I really wish I could stay.

Just know in your hearts we will always be close,

And we will have grinders together someday.