The Things I Wish I Knew Then

When I called you Granddaddy

and you didn't seem to understand,

I wish I knew to call you Pete

and tell you I was happy to see you.

When you seemed overwhelmed by

all the people and noise around you,

I wish I knew to take you by the

hand and go for a walk outside.

When you would tell the same stories

over and over again,

I wish I knew to listen, laugh,

and ask questions about your life.

When I would come to visit you

and just pretend that nothing was wrong,

I wish I knew how little time you

had left and appreciated the time we had.

When your disease progressed to the end

and you were nothing like the man I know,

I wish I knew what I know now

to smile and hug you and tell you

how much you are truly loved.

by Meghan Hogarty

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