Have no sorrow when I am gone
I will be watching from beyond.
Time is too short, so bittersweet,
To dwell on the past, for we will again meet.
I will remain with you in thought and spirit,
Embrace this fully, do not fear it.
I will be the sun’s warm rays beaming down,
The twirling wind all around.
I wont be gone, but with the Glory,
An endless role within your story.
Enjoy and flourish in all of life,
It will not pause for your strife.
When you miss me, shed not a tear,
Know instead that I am near.
Have no sorrow when I have passed,
For I will be waiting; our love will last.
– Richard Harless
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Dad has received so many visitors over the last several days, more than 40 before we lost track! What a blessing to see such love. He is continuing to rest and decline physically, though he has bouts of mental sharpness that still astound. Family is with him around the clock. We continue to laugh and reminisce intertwined with moments of tears and reflection.
Hospice nurses check on Dad daily and continue to monitor his health and wellbeing. They have adjusted Dads medications several times to reduce anxiety and alleviate increasing pain. He now spends the occasional night in his recliner and is finding it more and more difficult to stand and walk, even with his walker. Hospice suggests we continue to spend time for everyone’s emotional health and to watch for signs of discomfort through agitation or even facial expressions since Dad is becoming less verbal.
As things progress, updates will be shared here. We appreciate all the comments and stories that have been provided.
With hope and love,
Richard
The Upside of Down - an update on hope, love, and oncology 
Kevin – You have always been a man of dignity, grace, humor and wisdom and have been an inspiration to all you have touched over the years. There are very few people I learned from during each and every conversation, you made me better.
Kevin O’Brien
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”Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:3-9, ESV)
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Beautiful poem Richard. Thank you so much Mary for opening your home to visitors during Kevin’s last days. You’re a beautiful person and it was sooo nice to talk and laugh with you. I think what you’re going thru EVERY DAY. Thank you for giving me my much needed cry, hugs, and good talk with Kevin. … God Bless you all during this time … I know its just so difficult …. love you so much, Lisa
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Continued prayers to all.
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I want to say a thousand things, share a thousand memories, cry a thousand tears at the thought of losing you. But I won’t – for the love we share is pure and forever and we shall meet again and reminisce together, then.
I love you for always
Sis
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Richard – What a beautiful poem. These are the precious moments to spend with your father. He is a wonderful man and touch so many lives. His infectious smile radiates the room. He would organize great parties at the National Sales Meeting and he was the first one on the dance floor and the last to leave! I know when his time comes he will be ready to organize those parties in heaven! Keeping everyone in our thoughts and prayers!
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Katherine called this morning to tell us of Kevin’s passing. Needless to say, we have very heavy hearts, and our prayers & sympathy continue to go out to all of you. Our saying, and your knowing that he is in a better place does not eliminate the pain you are feeling at this time, but we can all be thankful that Kevin is no longer in such terrible pain. Aunt Connie & I love you all very much…our thought & prayers remain with all of you.
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to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord…thanking God for your Dad’s first morning in heaven…praying God’s comfort for you all today…
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All l can think is that Jordyn Kube was at the gates of heaven at 2:31 Saturday morning waiting to give Kev a big hug the minute he arrived! I sent hugs with him for her too so it was a fair trade off.
Your contagious smile will be missed Kev, but no worries, keep my baby girl company and l will see you both when l get there!
I will keep an eye on Mary, I’m not that far away.
Love you,
Kaye
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