Ed Turner (1933-2009)

To Jeannie he was scrambled eggs and toast;
just Table 25.
To Patrick he was his first soccer coach,
when he was only five.

To Kathy he was mean Mr. Turner;
the neighbor from her youth.
To Steven he was a superhero;
defender of the truth.

To Beth he was known as her sternest boss;
always with a sour face.
To Rob he was the Sunday School teacher;
who told him of God's grace.

To Barb he was her guardian angel,
the day he saved her son.
To Mike he was simply his best friend's dad;
known as the dad who's fun.

To Nurse Linda he was just a patient;
after his heart attack.
To Johnny he was the army buddy,
who always had his back.

But to Evelyn he was so much more;
husband, lover...best friend.
To John & Lauren he was always Dad,
up to that painful end.

We can never be completely certain
of what we leave behind.
But words and deeds serve as our legacy;
and always are entwined.

We all can impact so many people,
in this fleeting, fast life.
What side of you will you will you show to others;
kindness, respect, or strife?


--I don't usually look at obituaries, but I was inspired by the notion that people are so much more than just a 1-paragraph entry in the local paper. So I created a character, and I gave him a life.