Iowa Author
As per our longstanding tradition, my family gathered Christmas Eve at my mother’s home in Onawa, IA. This was the first year, however, at Mom’s new home. We feasted on oyster stew (made by Mom) and chili (made by Dennis and Jody), and also did our annual gift exchange. Despite those who couldn’t be with us this year, we’re still blessed to have the large family we do. There’s more than enough love to go around.
* NOTE: Click any image for larger photo slideshow.
Back in November 1987, my sister Lori wrote a poem about our father, Don Ewing, who had died two months before in a tragic accident. My father had recently returned to Iowa, and for a while took turns staying with each of us kids. His death – less than two weeks before his 51st birthday – left us all wishing we could go back and change some things.
Lori actually wrote this poem as a song, complete with a chorus. On this Memorial Day, it just seemed appropriate to put it out there. And yes, our father also was a vet, having served with the U.S. Marine Corps.
He Touched My Life (Memory of Dad)
by Lori Mathes
He Stood tall, I seemed so small –
but I knew he’d always be there through it all.
He loved the thought of living,
and he had so much to give,
but I didn’t understand his way to live.
He touched my life, and I didn’t know it.
He touched my heart, and I didn’t show it.
And all that mattered to him,
were the things I wouldn’t give,
Oh I wish my time with him I could re-live.
He did things his way –
He took life by storm.
But he always wound up near me, tired and worn.
I never took the time, to realize you see,
I was so caught up in life — and in me.
He touched my life, and I didn’t know it.
He touched my heart, and I didn’t show it.
And all that mattered to him,
were the things I wouldn’t give,
Oh I wish my time with him I could re-live.
I didn’t ever notice, he was dying deep inside,
that he needed someone to lean on,
and still feel he had his pride.
But he would not go to someone –
No for him that wouldn’t do.
His heart ached for his family,
the only one he ever knew.
He tried to make me listen,
and to understand his pain,
but instead he got my doubts, and
I wondered what he’d gain…
So he left that day a hurt man,
and it makes me very sad –
for that was the last time I ever saw my Dad.
He touched my life, and I didn’t know it.
He touched my heart, and I didn’t show it.
And all that mattered to him,
were the things I wouldn’t give,
Oh I wish my time with him I could re-live…
And all that mattered to him,
were the things I wouldn’t give,
Oh I wish my time with him I could re-live.
I Love You, Dad
Copyright © 2005 Lori D. Mathes
November, 1997