Loved by Family

In life, Pete was a poet, amongst his many other qualities and talents. It would seem that this gift has been passed on to his Grandchildren.

My cousin Emily, one of Pete Parker's Granddaughters, wrote this after his passing. It was so beautiful, I wanted to share it with you;

"So I dreamt this last night, and I figured that as it was exactly one week it had to mean something, so I wrote a poem about it :) I hope it gives you guys a little bit of the peace my dream gave me.

Driving fast and free to the setting sun,

I wish I could fly, I wish I could run

to the crossroads where sunlight meets midnight road,

where warm colors of the sunset melt the pavement’s aged hold.

If I could just find where that road floats off the map,

I know I'd find you there, parting paths.

You’d be recalling years; turning, you’d smile as I drew near.

I'd give you one last hug, then gather my tears.

As the sunset’s bright beams blinded you from sight,

you’d begin your last journey in the Lord’s warm light.

Now you’re eternal, living in the Kingdom of the dove,

And I smile, knowing that you’ll live forever through your love."

Another Granddaughter, and lovely cousin of mine, Margo Morgan Parker, wrote this;

"When I was a child, somebody once wrote me a letter telling me about how certain people walk into your life for a reason. Whether that reason was to be a friend when you needed one, or to stay there forever, and how when their reason is completed they go. When your a child I guess you don't fully understand things the way an adult would, so this has never made any since to me. My Grandfather (Tata) told me that. Remembering receiving that letter and the face I probably would have been making as I read it makes me laugh. I feel bad though. Knowing how highly he thought of me and how little I did to deserve that pedestal. I made promises I'd never keep, never reply to those emails, never send out a phone call just to say hello. I remember thinking ' I've got time' when in reality that final door was approaching. I've cried for him, I've cried for myself and my family enough to fill the sea. I was told something recently. When I cry... even though it hurts... I'm giving back his love. All the tears that fall from my eyes are all the love he's ever given me..... That's a lot of love! But I've learned something this week. I've learned that his reason was to give me love and hold me high for all the world to see, even if I didn't deserve it. And even though it took me 6 years to unravel its secret... I finally understand that letter. So rest in peace Tata, and I promise... your getting back a lot of love."

Thank you ladies, these are lovely.

PS - Background on the nickname Tata.

I am proud to say that I gave him this nickname. When I was but a wee lass my Aunt Pamela had a cat named Natasha. "Tasha" stayed with us while Pamela was in college, and I became attached...as I do...to the little cat. I would toddle around "Tata, come here Tata!" My very sweet Grandfather always assumed I was talking to him, and would come whenever I called out "TATA!" And, like many silly nicknames do, it stuck.
So, rest in peace Tata. You are very loved by all your children, and grandchildren.