His shoes were big
Size 15
They matched his heart;
sturdy, strong, and spacious
Slipping my 5 year old feet into his shoes
I’d stand up straight and dream of being tall
It was more than just height
It was his character:
Generous with his time
Passionate about things he believed
Devoted to his family
and… had a twinkle in his eye.
“Tell us a Hat story, Grandpa”, we’d say.
With creative flare and style,
He’d make Bible stories come to life
as he acted out multiple characters.
If his shoes could talk,
They’d tell stories of adventures
both in other countries
and in his community.
He’d run up Mount Pisgah,
a trail he took most mornings.
And walked beside grandma
for 62 years.
His feet would help make music
by pushing down the pedal.
One hand would accompany on the piano
and the other play his trumpet.
Reminding us of his favorite hymn
he’d sing in perfect harmony,
“Jesus, take this heart of mine;
Make it pure and wholly Thine”
_____
My grandpa’s heart was big
and his shoes cannot be filled.
But I will dream of that day
When I can stand tall beside him
We’ll sing “Jesus Loves Me”.
In an earth made new
And grandpa will put on his shoes again,
The ones that match his heart.
