Remembering Dad
By RasmaSandra
@RasmaSandra (73751)
Daytona Beach, Florida
April 23, 2024 4:03pm CST
Today would have been my dad’s 119th birthday. Eriks Raisters was a popular Latvian poet and writer born on April 23, 1905. This poem is dedicated to him. I could imagine his family in the country of Ranka, Latvia welcoming the new baby into the family when everything was starting to bloom in the spring and flowers were popping up everywhere. Ranka Parish in Gulbene District is a hilly region with land comprised mostly of agriculture and forests. Its main river source is the Gauja River.
It’s been so very long
since you went away
I was but ten
and I loved you so
the time just like fast-flowing rivers
has gone by
I often wondered why
we weren’t give more time
I just know dad
since the day I was born
you were mine
suddenly you were gone
leaving me with a broken heart
the days that we shared
seemed like such short moments in time
so long ago
with bright memories
some brighter than the rest
but I know you are with me still
someday when we meet
up beyond the stars
I know that you will see me
like the little girl
with the braids and ribbons
that you left behind
until then I have so many different things
which I treasure so
and the pictures of you
that smile back at me
missed you then
miss you still
until the day
when we will meet again
love you dad
Happy Birthday
while swinging on a star
I've attached a favorite photo of my family. If you still haven't figured it out I am the tiny little creature in the middle.
20 people like this
20 responses
@kaylachan (58225)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 Apr
@RasmaSandra Well, I'm happy you have it.
3 people like this
@RasmaSandra (73751)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 Apr
@kaylachan lucky to have that photo usually they were taking photos of me all the time 
4 people like this
@Juliaacv (48563)
• Canada
23 Apr
That is a cute picture.
Attached to a sad memory, I hope that you remember something very sweet and unique about your Dad tomorrow.
My Dad passed on July 4, 2009 and I continue to think of him every single day.
The day that I stop thinking of him will be the day that I am reunited with him in Paradise.
4 people like this
@RasmaSandra (73751)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 Apr
@Juliaacv that is how it is and you know they watch over us, are close by, and will be waiting one day, My one hope is that since my dad knows about my life now I sure hope that up above he found and got to meet my hubby, I am sure they had a good time getting to know one another, My mom had met him in Latvia before she passed,
4 people like this
@kareng (55160)
• United States
25 Apr
@RasmaSandra What a great memory! I love the photo also!
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (73751)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Apr
@kareng sure did Dad had me writing poetry short verses in English and Latvian at age 8. Even after he passed I kept a notebook and pen by my side always
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (170532)
• United States
23 Apr
What a cute pic! Feel blessed to still have my dad
3 people like this
@RasmaSandra (73751)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 Apr
@snowy22315 and tell him you love him often
3 people like this
@RasmaSandra (73751)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 Apr
@rebelann Happy Birthday to your dad in Heaven. We know they watch over us and we'll meet with them again one day,
3 people like this
@RasmaSandra (73751)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Apr
@DianneN my dad started me on poetry writing when I was 8 in both English and Latvian. There are times now when something inspires and my fingers fly over the keys and then when I stop I read the poem and I know dad was there writing along with me,
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (73751)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Apr
@MGjhaud you are lucky and keep telling him you love him
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (73751)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Apr
@LadyDuck I know we always wish they could still be with us but at least they watch over us and we will see them again one day
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (79960)
• United States
24 Apr
What a beautiful poem for your dad.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (79960)
• United States
24 Apr
@RasmaSandra my dad has been gone a long time (1981)
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (94896)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
23 Apr
Happy birthday to your late dad.
2 people like this
@RasmaSandra (73751)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
23 Apr
@Deppizzaguy thank you I am sure they're celebrating up above
2 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (94896)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
24 Apr
@RasmaSandra You are welcome.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (157243)
• United States
24 Apr
Great photo and a wonderful poem. Happy Heavenly Birthday to your father.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (73751)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Apr
@LindaOHio thank you always nice to remember
1 person likes this
@mildredtabitha (16077)
• Nairobi, Kenya
1 May
I hope he can read it from heaven. It's a beautiful poem.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (29022)
•
25 Apr
Such a sweet tribute to your Dad.
I love the picture, it's so very special.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (73751)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
25 Apr
@MarieCoyle thank you one of the few I have of all of together when I was small they were always taking photos of me
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (159508)
• Boise, Idaho
24 Apr
What a nice poem. Thank you for sharing it. A cute family photo too.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (159508)
• Boise, Idaho
28 Apr
@RasmaSandra .......That's the usual for families. Pics of the kids.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (73751)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
24 Apr
@celticeagle thank you and one of the few photos I have of us together, Mom and Dad were always taking photos of me,
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (86819)
• United States
24 Apr
Thanks Sandra..RIP your beloved Dad.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (73751)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
27 Apr
@jstory07 it is great to have the memories
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (73751)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
27 Apr
@Dena91 but they are still with us in spirit and watching over us now
1 person likes this
