"Goodbye Grandpa"

There’s a time for every purpose under heaven

The day we are born, the years we live, and our time to die.

But no matter the length or the years in a life,

It's still hard to say "Goodbye".

Grandpa was a humble and soft-hearted man,

Hard working, honorable and sweet.

He set an example that I won't soon forget

Of the person that I aim to be.

He served his country, he farmed his land,

He raised his family with pride.

He lived a full life of hard work and love

With Grandma, devotedly at his side.

The years, though many, they went by fast

Until he neared the end

When his knees grew weak and his body grew frail

And on others he had to depend.

At last he is free, to run and to dance

With loved ones he’s not seen in years,

While those of us, still here on earth

Are left to dry our tears.

Surrounded by family, grandson's Adam and Rik,

He wants us to know, he is fine.

He will see us each again some day

But only when it's time.

"Goodbye now, Grandpa," we salute you with pride,

Your purpose and work here are done.

Rest now, in peace, you've earned your wings,

Content your legacy lives on ...

Written and read at the funeral of my Grandpa Einck (died on February 28th at the age of 100)