The Strongest Man

This is a copy of the Poem Josh wrote for my dad. He asked us each to share with him a special thought or memory and compiled them into this:

The Strongest Man

Walking with you as a child

My hand grasping your finger

I knew nothing could harm me

For I was with the strongest Man

You let me climb the roof

A windstorm shook my frame

I knew that I was safe;

Below me stood the strongest man

You held me on your shoulders

Giving me a new perspective

Seven feet above the world

Carried by the strongest man

Danger was in our house

Slipper in hand, ready to attack

You realized it was only your kids

But we saw it was the strongest man

With a pencil behind our ears

We prepared to work

I was your shadow

Taught by the strongest man

I got in an argument

You came to my rescue

As we drove and talked

In the arms of the strongest man

I needed a ride

Without a thought for yourself

You waited so that I could be

Driven by the strongest man

The audience frightened me

I wanted to run and cry

Then, I saw your loving smile

Encouraged by the strongest man

You had 10 children

Friends criticized your family

Enraged as a father, criticism ceased

Condemned by the strongest man

Your daughters combed your hair

Dressing you like a princess

You always had time for us to

Play with the strongest man

Our house was broken

You came with brand new tools

Our house was repaired

At the hands of the strongest man

You cradled my child in your arms

Tears streaming down your mustache

As he looked into the eyes of his Pop

Protected by the strongest man

As a child, I looked up to you

As you taught me wisdom

I knew you would always be taller

Watched by the strongest man

As we watched you in the hospital

Struggling in pain, seeking our comfort

We saw you as invincible

Because you were the strongest man

I was always first in your life

I knew that I would always be

Loved by the Strongest Man

Loved by the Strongest Man


The funeral service was beautiful. I am so glad that all of us kids were able to be there. I saw and spoke with several people who I haven't seen in many years. I was surprised that so many people remembered my dad and our family. Thank you to everyone who has helped us through prayers, support, and kind words; it really does mean a lot.