What gift can I give you, what can I say
on your very significant 85th birthday?
You still linger with us just for a while
but you can't respond to our greetings or smiles.

We can't give a party with ice-cream and cake.
You can't blow out candles when you're not awake.
You can't open gifts and enjoy what you see
but we can be here while you sleep peacefully.

Do you feel our presence, do you understand
when we stand here and talk to you, touch your hand?
Can you feel us yearning to know that you hear
and comprehend, as we tell you that you are so dear?

Oh, we don't want to lose you, wish things as before,
but we know that soon you'll be gone through that door
to a place we can't possibly see with our eyes.
And we'll know you're with Jesus in paradise.

You'll know such peace, joy, rest and elation
as we never find here in all of creation.
This world can never be as God planned
when he fashioned it all with His holy hand.

Because of "the fall" we can try as we might
to find peace and rest here from morning till night.
But only with Jesus, Who reigns above,
can we find that precious, sought-after love.

A love so pure, holy, rich and sweet
we can only have strength to fall at His feet
and thank Him for loving us, shedding His blood
to wash us and cleanse us, though we can't be good.

A gift?...we will pray to the Father of Light
to send Jesus to take you to where there's no night.
No more sickness, pain, or sorrow you'll know.
You've suffered it all down here below.

We love you, Dad, and we've grieved for you long.
We've tried to be faithful and brave and strong.
We've been blessed by having you, though you've had to suffer.
Our prayers that you know sweet release we now offer.

Happy Birthday, Dad! May you soon know pure bliss!
Today, I'm thankful I can lean down and kiss
your forehead, your cheek and look in your face.
These memories for me time will never erase.

Jo S. McCracken
For my father,
Seth M. Summerfield, Jr.