do i count?

In 2000, my Dad walked thru the gates of pearl.  Mark read the poem below at the grave side service.  My other Dad (affectionately called Padre), took the same path in 2003.  This poem exemplifies the men they were.  We’ll never know how many lives they touched. . .

THE LIFE THAT COUNTS

The life that counts must toil and fight;

Must hate the wrong and love the right;

Must stand for truth, by day, by night…

This is the life that counts.

The life that counts must hopeful be;

In darkest night make melody;

Must wait the dawn on bended knee…

This is the life that counts.

The life that counts must aim to rise

Above the earth to sunlit skies;

Must fix its gaze on Paradise…

This is the life that counts.

The life that counts must helpful be,

The care and needs of others see;

Must seek the slaves of sin to free…

This is the life that counts.

The life that counts is linked with God;

And turns not from the cross…the rod;

But walk with joy where Jesus trod…

This is the life that counts.

Anonymous