Crossing the Bar

I have been sorting and scanning paper, mementos and memories lately like it's nobody's business.  After all, this is the best time to do it.  It's cold outside so I thought I would catch up on projects inside.

As many of you know, my dad passed away many years ago in 1981.  I was only 6.

I came across the card that they passed out at the funeral home.  I've always only looked at the right side of this two sided card.  The side that lists the name, date of birth, date of death.  I've also only looked briefly.  After all of these years it is still painful to see.

The other day I finally noticed the left side.  It was a poem by Tennyson.  

Sunset and evening star
   And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
   When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
   Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
   Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
   And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
   When I embark;

For though from out our bourne of Time and Place
   The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
   When I have crossed the bar.

I'm not sure how I missed it all these years.  Maybe I was only meant to see it now.  

What a gift it is!  It's so perfect.  It's my dad.

What I want to share with you is this - I saw this at just the right time.  It is painful.  The other side of that pain is joy in really understanding this poem.  I consider it a gift.