The bell has rung and you have run your last call

And now you can stand on your own and tall

I thought I was ready

But the fact is I’m unsteady

My legs are weak

And I can’t even speak

I know you needed your pain relieved

And although I prayed to God in heaven for it to be eased

I’m sad and my heart feels squeezed

You no longer are confined to braces and the bed

So now you can run, jump and your legs don’t feel like lead

No worries, no pains, no fires to put out,

Just laughter and joy with our master in heaven the most glorious hang out no doubt

I’m going to miss you so much

I think about all the people you helped and touched

People you brought closure to, saved, and changed for the good

The many roads you paved for the better of the brotherhood

The texts, visits and calls I’ll miss it all

This is what I think about as I sit here and bawl

That fire within you that could not be extinguished, contained nor taken away

It made you a pay it forward, selfless blessing doing good deeds every day

You had no expectations of repayment from those you helped and served

Just simply felt they got what they deserved

Deserved because to you every life mattered

Hardworking, giving, loving, devoted, husband, father, grandfather, brother, angel and friend so true

These are all things that describe a Hero which is you

Being humble, kind, giving, encouraging, loving, Godly, dedicated and determined are all words that I think are fitting

For you….this was your daily way of living

No longer in pain and enjoying the everlasting life.

But I’m not gonna lie having you gone….it cuts like a knife.

Anytime the bell rang whether it be for a fire, friend or a helping hand call

You used every talent you had and always gave your all

When my expiration date hits I can only hope that I have done as much good as you

And that I used all God gave me as well as you too.

They say hearing is the last thing to go so I’m glad to know

That you could hear us talking to you and reminiscing about all the great times

I came to pay respect, say thank you, and pray for you and your family

But not to say goodbye just that I’ll catch you on the upside because this is just your halftime.

I THANK your family for yet another selfless gesture by allowing us visit with you in these last days but I also know you wouldn’t want it any other way.

I THANK YOU for all the great times at the fire department and with SAR
I THANK YOU for teaching me how to tie ropes
I THANK YOU for teaching me how to use a compass
I THANK YOU for all the life lessons
I THANK YOU for the stories of past and present that I wish you were still able to tell
I THANK YOU for helping me know when I was wrong without telling me I was wrong
I THANK YOU for all your service to the community, county and state
I THANK YOU for always making me and my family feel welcome
I THANK YOU for calling me every week just checking on me when I was living in Nashville and my dad was terminally ill
I THANK YOU for praying with me and for me
I THANK YOU for making me a better person by walkin’ the talk
I THANK YOUR family for sharing you because I know there are times they would of rather had you at home
I THANK YOU FOR always encouraging me and not letting me give up

THANK YOU for always answering the call
MOST of all I THANK YOU for being my friend.
 

This last call came and you the person under the gear

The one who put aside his own needs and fears

Who answered the call every time the bell rang

Who used every ounce of energy today to hand over command

Now… you’re in the promise land.

Leaving us to pick up where you left off and answer the next calls when the bell rings

Because it’s our turn now to work on earning our wings.

Will you answer the call?

~Susan

Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.  ~Bible, John 15:13