TRIBUTE TO MY DAD

May 19, 2008; 10:45 a.m. ventilator removed with us all in attendance. Until 5:10 p.m. the following day, May 20, 2008, dad fought the good fight and continued to breathe on his own. It was a relief to me that he made it on his own terms, rather than immediately upon removal of the machine. We sat there with him and a few minutes before the time, he opened his eyes as if he could see something in the room that we were not privileged to see; then took a very deep breath and exhaled for the last time and was still. The moment I had been dreading, especially for the last several years, had come to pass and suddenly my entire life had changed. I knew that, for me, things would never be the same.

I dreamed I went to Heaven, you were there with me.
We walked upon the streets of gold beside the Crystal Sea.
We heard the angels singing, then someone called your name.
You turned and saw this young man, and he was smiling as he came.

One by one they came, far as your eyes could see.
Each life somehow touched by your generosity.
Little things that you had done, sacrifices that you made,
They were unnoticed on this earth
In Heaven now proclaimed.

And I know up in Heaven you're not supposed to cry
But I am almost sure there were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand and you stood before the Lord
He said "My child look around you,
Great is your reward."

Chorus
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord,
I am so glad you gave,
I am so glad you gave.

I know my dad had always been there for me; my biggest fan, my confidante, best friend and adviser. He supported me in everything I ever did whether he agreed with me or not. I guess I never realized how many others he had touched along the way. Of course he was always there to lend a hand or assist others in need. Often I wondered if he knew the word "no". Yes, he was as good a man as an earthly, human man could be.

There is nothing I can write here that can possibly encompass all that he has been to me. Words are as insufficient as my vocabulary to express the deep admiration and respect I have for him.

GORDON BLAKE SMITH, JR.
APRIL 17, 1931-MAY 20, 2008
BELOVED HUSBAND, FATHER, BROTHER
AND HERO
YOU ARE GREATLY MISSED