an officer's badge
a square of his girl's little blankie
a private note from his daughter the nun
a '98 world series yankee cap, army pen
and rosary beads
a lover's ring that held laughter and heartache
in the hollow parts
pictures and drawings from his youngest grand daughters
one said he's flying with wings
high school graduation pics from the collegebound girl
a penn state button on his lapel
a string from grandson's viola, it plays sweet melodies
a season opener ticket, yankees vs. toronto blue jays
one silver moon/star earring and my favorite picture of us laughing
you hold it for me daddy, i'll be coming for it soon
one baseball card of his youngest son, awesome lefty pitcher
and one salute from my faraway man
mommy left the 50th anniversary picture, what a grin you had
she also left red kisses on the inside of your white tee shirt.
you left us love and laughter
and a love for the argument
a strong spirituality
and a hint of mischievousness...