Poem for Norman 

 
 

I wish I could remember the date and the time we met for the first time 

I wish I could remember the weather, or the place 

I wish I could recall what you were wearing or what you said 

Fruitless 

Are the details for what is engraved in the cells of my heart, 

Is your sweet gentle face 

Tis this sweet gentle face that I searched for at church on Sundays 

Like a reassuring embrace 

Embrace 

Is what I often needed when I put on my brave face 

Hiding my sorrow or my pain 

Anxious thoughts and worries 

But one glance at you and dear beautiful Jenny, 

Was all I needed to feel 

Love 

Emanating from your every pore 

Gracious unconditional and non-judgemental love 

Safe 

Is how I felt in your presence 

Trusting your every word, advice. 

Praying 

For me, for the folks in church, for all those hurting in every part of the world 

Relentless 

in your fervent pursuit of the ‘lost’ 

Like the good shepherd going after his 1 sheep 

Dedication is inspiring and yours was admirable, unflinching, determined to reach them all no matter what 

 

I often wondered about your boys and what life would be like as your child 

Sharing their father with thousands of others all wanting a piece 

I wondered if they felt resentful or jealous or lonely or did they feel proud and in awe of the life you lived for Christ 

For Christ 

You run the race, all in, no compromises, invested with your every breath, focused on the prize, Jenny always faithful and loving by your side 

I ached to somehow reach you more, to feel part of who you were, to sample a taste of the infinite riches of the faith you held within 

We shared an obsessive love for books and so I felt I belonged 

It was ok to be addicted to books and learning if Norman did it 

I mused 

Vanity 

Really, how could I compare me to thee 

This great man admired, pursued, loved as shepherd and also as dad, husband, friend, brother. 

I wonder what it felt like to reach the finish line, to pick up the prize you dedicated your life to 

Was it worth it? 

Did you beam with joy? 

Did you walk into the arms of Jesus and did you have time to look back and wave goodbye? 

I ache to think of those left behind 

Putting on a brave face 

Grateful for your faith 

For your example 

For your life 

But etched in their hearts is also their pain 

Of losing a father, a grandfather, a husband and a mate 

One thing is certain 

Unflinching you paved the way 

And of all that I admired in you 

Your grace, humility, strength and love 

I will never ever forget the way you made me feel in your fatherly warm and loving 

Embrace