Shortly after the All-Class Reunion last year, and presenting Alan McGill the Distinguished Alumni Award – The Roy Gilstrap Award – he passed away. We were already missing him since he moved back to Florida, but this has just been a very sad time. The following poem was read at his funeral and it needs to be shared, because Alan wrote this:
TO THOSE I LOVE AND THOSE WHO LOVE ME
When I am gone release me, let me go-
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn’t tie yourself to me in tears,
Be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it’s time I traveled on alone.
So grieve a while for me if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a while that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away, for life goes on,
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near,
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear
All my love around you soft and clear.
And then when you must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile and say
“Welcome Home!”
