Jude - this one is for you, 26 years old now

Faded bluejeans and clouded sunglasses
Shocking pink socks and dainty white shoes
Not exactly a textbook combination
But a friendship just the same

Varying shades of brown, burning freckles
Tomato feet and jaded speckles of
Strawberry hair and soft struck eyes

Smiles come easy, laughter stops by
For an occasional visit, passing the time
On never ending journeys to distant lands

As spirits become weary with sleep filled delight
Each day does reach the end, parting ways
And looking ahead to share laughter, fun, and each other

The Long Goodbye

80 years young, brown hair and brown eyes
In a chair ride limited to a short view
The room is small and has a few things
I don't think it has much of you

This long goodbye, it's for you

A year has passed since the long ride home
Not a journey you chose in the May dew
You handled the ride with a confused sense of pride
And we all tried to say "We love you"

This long goodbye, it's for you

To be trite, I can't ever walk in your shoes
My feet are too big, and I'd now need a wig
You almost lost it all getting me here
I owe you much more than a baby's soft cheer
You may soon go so I want you to know

This long goodbye, it's for you

Don't worry about sorry at this time of day
Your mind is a child who can't really play
The burden is ours to take yours away
I hope you find peace and get your release

This long goodbye, it's for you

To say that we love you doesn't make it complete
We'll keep your smile and laugh always in sight
We won't say goodbye, and I'll surely cry
But when it's time, may you rest your pure heart

This long goodbye, it's for you

2 girls and 2 boys you brought to this world
The binding ties nearly sixty years young
New life pushes on, we'll all carry strong
This long goodbye, it's for you.