This poem was written by Kaitlyn McGuinn September 9, 2007 and was read at  the services held for Jack L. McPhaul, D.V.M 9/14/2007 in Smithville Texas.  It moved me.  I asked Kaitlyn if I could post it. 

We say goodbye to a very special friend,

It's hard to imagine our time had to end.

The one who has taught us so many things,

We ride alone now, a sadness it brings.

We will recall the days, when things weren't so sad,

Like the priceless times shared on rides that we had.

These memories we'll store so carefully away,

Ant they'll warm all our hearts on a lonely old day.

We will remember the times we shared and loved,

Knowing youve ridden ahead to the skies above.

To be with all the ones who have passed before,

And you'll share with them now, these things we adore.

Your smile, your laugh, your gentle ways,

Are what we'll remember in the coming days.

The way you endeared your life with our own,

We will always be greatful for the love that you've shown.

It is impossible to know that you are not here,

But you made us all promise that we'd never fear.

Becasue you will always be deep in our hearts,

Together forever, we're never apart.

They say that we all have our own time to go,

But it doesn't seem fair that we'll never know.

What was God's reason, or even His why,

But you have assured us this isnt' goodbye.

A hand on our shoulder is what we will feel,

You told us so we will know that it is real.

For questions we have, just look at the sky,

and wait for the answer, you're sure to reply.

To look at a cloud, the movement of wind,

There we'll find messages sent by our friend.

Never be sad, because we will know,

You're sending your love in the trees when they blow.

We are never to think of this as the end,

A great father, son, brother, grandpa, and friend.

God bless you Jack, on this final ride,

Our hears and our prayers will be by your side.

That special man with the crooked grin, Heaven is where we will see you again.