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  Michael S. Jeffress, Ph.D.

The Death of a Dream

12/4/2013

9 Comments

 
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Son, I do not mourn your death as much as I mourn

     the death of the dream that died with you.

I know that you suffered; your tired body was worn out,

     but the dream was very much still alive--

A dream that you might decide to fight a little longer

     buy us a little more time and keep this dream alive…

A dream that you might live long enough

     to witness the cure of your dreadful disease…

A dream that you might be able to realize your dream

     to continue your studies and graduate from college…

A dream that you could experience some measure

     of independent living and land your dream job as a sportscaster…

A dream that you would find that special someone

     and experience the euphoria of romantic love…

A dream that you would find your soul mate,

     get married, and know the joy of becoming a parent…

A dream that you would live long enough to see

     your mother healthy and whole and happily remarried…

A dream that you would live long enough to see me give

     your sisters away to men who will love them as much as you and I…

A dream that you would decide to give your stepmother and me

     a chance to provide a home and care for you as we so wanted to do…

A dream that we could become the family we longed to be

     and renovate the room above the garage to be your bachelor pad…

A dream that you might finish your degree here at Nicholls

     and remember the joy of playing power soccer on our new team…

A dream that we could allow you to take your monthly disability check

     and buy your dream accessible vehicle or whatever you wanted…

A dream that you would live long enough to have on this side of time

     more peace and understanding—you had less than your fair share.

Now you are gone and I must not dwell on what might have been,

     but life will never be the same now that this dream has come to an end.


9 Comments
Sheila Zeringue
12/4/2013 12:55:52 pm

Michael you are an awesome dad :)

Reply
Michael Jeffress
3/15/2014 09:33:05 am

Thank you, Sheila.

Reply
Cheryl Markey
12/5/2013 05:31:47 am

Beautifully written! Lately we have had a lot more fathers sharing their thoughts/feelings/pain and they are all excellent writers re: the Duchenne Journey.

Reply
Michael Jeffress
3/15/2014 09:32:30 am

Thank you, Cheryl, for the sentiments.

Reply
sinde candella
12/5/2013 06:15:09 am

Michael I have a 15 yr old Grandson with duchenne who is in heart failure. This was so heart felt and something we all dream. God Bless you and your family and may your precious son RIP!

Reply
Michael Jeffress
3/15/2014 09:31:39 am

Thank you, and blessings back to you. ~MJ

Reply
Tony Levene link
3/17/2014 12:00:12 am

Thank you for sharing this, your words speak the truth for so many of us....

all the best to you and your family....

Reply
Ersin
3/17/2014 06:52:17 am

You are a good dad. Poem is well written, i am 20 years old and also have DMD i understand you well.

Reply
Tracy Levene
3/17/2014 10:30:19 pm

Powerful and true...sending lots of love to u and your family xx

Reply

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    Welcome to my blog page. I write occasionally on topics I care about. I am a professor, a disability advocate and social critic. Above all, I am a lucky husband, father and grandparent.

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