Papi

I didn’t get a lifetime to hold onto your hand

But the little time I watched you helped me understand

The way you loved the Lord, your children, and your wife

Those quiet, steady lessons became the anchor of my life

Oh, Papi, you were taken away too soon

Like a gentle melody fading in the afternoon

I wish I had more seasons, I wish we had more days

But the short time that I watched you molded all my ways

I remember when you brought a homeless stranger through the door

You offered him a warm bath to settle and restore

You dressed him in your own clean clothes, Mom made a morning meal

I watched his shaking hands as he ate, and saw how mercy feels

Oh, Papi, you were taken away too soon

Like a gentle melody fading in the afternoon

I wish I had more seasons, I wish we had more days

But the short time that I watched you molded all my ways

A trembling hand holding a cup, a weary soul at rest

You didn't have to preach a word to give away your best

Your faith was in your actions, your love was in our home

And because you left that light behind, I'll never walk alone

Oh, Papi, you were taken away too soon

Like a gentle melody fading in the afternoon

I wish I had more seasons, I wish we had more days

But the short time that I watched you molded all my ways

I wish I had more time with you, but you guide me every day