Good And Faithful Shepherd

I met you when my heart was torn.

Before my veil, before my vows—

his quiet strength and voice so calm.

He saw the storm behind my smile

and offered space for me to rest.

A teacher, yes, but much more than that,

a shepherd with a gentle hand.

He held my questions tenderly;

like footprints drawn upon the sand.

We talked for hours—of grief and grace of God.

Of loss, and of finding peace.

His eyes lit up with sacred fire,

his wisdom made the storm release.

He read the Word like breathing air,

each verse a balm, each psalm a guide,

and somehow... when the world grew cold—

he walked right there, close by my side.

He was a grandfather in disguise.

My mentor clothed in love and light.

When no one else could see my pain,

he held my soul through the darkest night.

But time now bends his frame with weight

A stroke has stolen his voice and ease.

And when you saw him, so frail and still

Your heart cried out in wordless pleas.

For giants fall in silence too—

You grief the slow unraveling

Of him who taught my soul to fly.

Yet what he's poured will not run dry—

In you his legacy will rise.

His faith, fire and quiet care

Still burning behind your tear-filled eyes.

So kneel beside his weary bed,

and whisper the truth he had once taught:

that love is never lost to time

and hope still blooms in every thought.

He joined my family's table too.

Shared laughter over Sabbath meals,

and made the children laughed so loud—

The joy in him came pouring out.

At church events, he stood with pride

a faithful servant, and calm embrace

beside you in both pew and pain

He carried hope with quiet grace.

He spoke with wisdom, soft and sure;

his counsel born from fire and prayer

and when the world could not make sense,

You found your refuge in his care.

But now his body bends with time—

a stroke has silenced his voice

you saw him still, and sorrow bloomed

Your soul unraveled on its knees.

For giants don't collapse with sound,

They fade in slow, unspoken ways...

and watching him like this, you grieve.

Yet, in your heart, he remains—

In every lifted prayer you send,

in drives, in meals, and sacred talks

in how you love and in how you mend.

So whisper thanks beside his bed.

Let silence hold what words can't say—

For he has walked your hardest road,

And left his light along the way.

But love like his does not grow dim.

It lives in every step you take—

in words you speak, and how you serve

in every choice you boldly make

and let the scriptures fill the space.

For giants leave the world in peace—

Thank you for always encouraging us to do better and become who we are meant to be.

Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord. - Matthew 25:21

Love to you and yours