Thomas Andrew Butler, Jr.
July 3, 1925
April 1, 2005
I have posted about my dad before, and those of you in the SRRC probably read the expanded version of that post in the most recent newsletter. My dad passed away one year ago and he is missed.
So, I plan to get together with some of my family for dinner on Saturday, have a glass of cabernet (he loved wine, especially reds), and think about all the great things he did for me and my family.
On the night before he left for his service in World War II, his father gave a dinner for him and invited a number of family and friends. At that dinner my grandfather read this poem to my father:
To Tom, Jr.
And you, my son, your country calls,
Your boyhood days are o’er,
Be manly, brave, whate’er befalls,
Your duty do—and more.
My heart will be where’er you are,
In camp or battlefield,
My prayers will follow afar,
Let courage be your shield.
Remember that the thoughts each day
Of we who stay behind
Are with you in your work or play.
You’re ever in our mind.
And now, my son, it’s with Godspeed
We wish you on your way,
To answer in your country’s need,
God bless you, son I pray.
Dad
My dad would say he still couldn't read it without getting tears in his eyes. I guess that makes me my father's son.
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24 comments:
Tim,
Thank you so much for sharing that poem. I didn't know your dad, but the night of his visitation the room was warmed by love for him. I believe that was obvious to all in attendance. It was wonderful to meet so many members of your family.
By the way, I don't think you are the only one that tears up when they read that poem. But you know me, I am a BIG Softy. What a great reminder to all that it is 'NOT ABOUT THE RUNNING' It is about the people.
As you see posted on the Blog site, we are in need of Abe's Army leaders. I have been a leader for 2 years. Last year was very meaningful.. Our group formed very close bonds and to some degree became an extended family. There was a caring that extended beyond the running. It continued beyond the race. In September, one of our members, a young college girl training for Abe's during her summer break, emailed Joe(the leader of the group) and me that her fiancee was just diagnosed with cancer. We emailed her support and offered our help. I was humbled that she felt she could turn to us at such a time. After all, we were JUST her Abe's Army leaders. Wednesday he passed away at the early age of 21. My heart breaks for her.
I am sharing this with you all so you can realize early on (I think you already have) that it truly is about the relationship you form along the way. The running well it's just an added bonus!!
Beautiful. What a nice tribute to a man who obviously impacted your life in ways big and small.
Regardless of how we run tomorrow -some of us will do well, others might struggle with physical and mental pain, still others may feel defeated, it's important to remember -- it's just a run. There are so many more important things and events in our lives, including the friendships and support of fellow runners. To me, that's what halfwits has been all about.
My own father passed away many years ago when he had just turned 50, due to heart disease that began when he was younger than I am now. That's part of why I started running, to have a healthier lifestyle and ward off some of the "bad" genes passed on through his side of the family. But part of me wanted to find a challenge that no one thought I could do. My father had a "go getter", positive, upbeat attitude and let very little get in the way of what he wanted. Unfortunatley, he never got to see many of his dreams fulfilled. I have always been my father's daughter. He would have been so proud to see me cross that finish line tomorrow.
For those who share in the journey, thanks for teaching me that running is just the medium for some really great relationships.
Thank you Tim and all for sharing.
Beautiful!!!
Thanks for sharing a special time in your life with us. I can say without a doubt that the extended family is a great support group. I know that saddness, joy and many other times will come and go but knowing that you are never in it alone makes it easier.
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