“There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief.”

-Aeschylus

This week we lost an amazing human, and one that was so generous with his life. I don't think he ever met a stranger.

Shortly before he passed, I penned a poem, and shared it with him. To my Pops, please rest in peace. 

"Pops"

Thank you for sharing, 
A big gift with me, 
One so precious, 
It will never leave. 

Whether spent, 
In the barn, garden, or woodshed, 
There was always some life lesson,
That felt like a session,
Bestowed onto me. 

From telling big stories, 
Of the Midwest, 
From Omaha or White Falls,
From large cornfields and popcorn,
White Buffalos to cars,
I’ve enjoyed ‘em all.   

From late night firesides, 
Or known as ‘nightcaps’ to some, 
Time spent together, 
Was second to none.  

These stories are there to teach us,
An important lesson or two,
What things do we carry, 
What carries us through, 

For life is too short,
We must enjoy what we do,
Celebrate the highs, 
And learn from the lows, 

As I left for work, 
you’d be the first to exclaim,
“CHAD MAKE IT A GOOD DAY!” 

Thank you for the life lessons, 
Reminders, and of course, 
All the love. 

I’m proud to call you pops, 
And to be your favorite,
Adopted son. 

I love you, Pops. 
 

Theodore L. Samland
April 28, 1942 - December 29, 2022