Time Has Swiftly Stood Still

The Downings 1996

There once was a man
Though it pained him to stand,
Would run if I ever did call.

There once was a man
Who held on to my hand,
If ever I thought, I might fall.

There once was a man
Who with love in his eyes,
Would discipline when I was wrong.

There once was a man
Though he did not sing well,
From the depths of his soul, sang each song.

There once was a man
Who was gentle and kind,
Yet stronger than any I’d known.

There once was a man
Who would not live to see,
The fruit from the seeds he had sown.

This man who once was
Was the daddy I loved,
Who is now by his own Father’s side.

So, I honor my dad
Who gave his whole life,
And loved with his arms open wide!

It’s been 14 years ago today that Rich went home to be with Jesus! Time has swiftly gone by yet so often stood still ~ so many memories like images frozen in time! My daughter, Angela Redmon, wrote this beautiful poem as a tribute of honor to her dad. She captured the essence of this amazing man. Though we still love and miss him, and always will, we would not wish him back. He’s in such a great place. His legacy of love to his family and to many, many others still lives on! And that’s the way it is with those God has taken.

I always say there’s a song for everything. A dear friend brought this one to us when we were deeply grieving in our loss. Rich lived in constant pain. It’s reassuring to know there’s no more pain for him now!