Lo, there do I see my Father

(For my friend Jim Brunsman and all who go before us…)

“Lo, there do I see my father,
Lo, there do I see my mother,
And my sisters and my brothers.
Lo, there do I see the line of my ancestors 
Back to the beginning, 
Lo, they do call to me 
They bid me take my place among them 
In the halls of Valhalla 
Where the brave may live forever…”
…From Viking literature

My father was there… so was yours.
All beside the closed box in draped flag.
Heads bowed, patiently they waited.
He already with them; though we were not yet ready.

My father was there and so was yours.
Where all our fathers await us;
And we wait to join them.
Just not as steadily as they.
Already knowing what we can merely pray.

All our fathers were there; each stood by the box.
He now beneath the flag under which they all served.
Bowed in reverence, they patiently waited.
Our present grief unspoken and lovingly abided.

I too will join the fathers there; as will you.
I know the Father is there with them.
There where I see the line of my ancestors 
Back to the beginning.

I will stand with the Father and all fathers one day.
Lo, they do call to me.
They bid me take my place among them.
And when I join them, do not cry for me.
For I will be at home.
Where the brave will live forever…

– Bosco – Wednesday, April 02, 2008