It is twenty years ago today,
That Dad unexpected went away.

We had returned from a week in Sequoia and Yosemite,
And there was no sign of the upcoming calamity.

He set out close to lunch to get the boat ready to sail,
But returned shortly exhausted and pale.

This Sunday morning he got up feeling well,
But by noon it was a day from hell.

I often wondered why loved ones have to die
Without being able to say goodbye.

The agony I felt I will never be able to voice,
But realized I had no other choice,

Then try to stay strong,
And go on.

While hoping against all odds,
And pray to our own Gods

That maybe someday,
All of us will stay,

Somewhere,
Up there,

Together,
Forever.