Mountain Of A Man

You’re a mountain of a man

Even as you stare down

The uncertainty of a cancer diagnosis

Which would make most men weep

Inoperable without significant disruption to quality of life

34 years with you

Seems too short

Now I’m faced with the daunting

Realization that you may not be around much longer

So many things left to do

So many things left unsaid

You might never see me get married

You probably won’t meet your grandkids if I ever have them

Through this journey you’ve continued to be yourself

Stalwart and strong

But I can see it breaking you this time

I’m so proud of the growth you’ve made in the last few years

I can’t stand to lose you

The thought of it breaks my heart

When it’s finally your time to go

There will be a giant hole in my heart and in my life

You’re compassionate, and kind

With a no-nonsense attitude

You’re stubborn and obstinate

You love with your whole being

You’re passionate, open, and honest

You can always be depended on

Creative and able to build or fix almost anything

You’re everything that I strive to be

That’s what makes you a mountain of a man

This poem is written about my dad as he faces a new cancer diagnosis .