Dedicated to: Albert C Drake Jr.

Born:  September 22, 1947

Died: May 22, 2015

Our life is a book of chapters that begins from whence we’re born

Pages turn through daily living and the years roll swiftly on

And when our life is over our book comes to an end

But are the chapters really over, or do they begin again?

The year was 1947, when Albert C Drake Jr. was born

The twenty second of September, to a mom who Al adored

He grew up in New Jersey with a single mom for quite awhile

His real dad left his mother and abandoned Al his child

His mom was quite a worker; Ida would cook, and sew and clean

She provided for Al’s well-being when his dad had left the scene

Al went to school in Irvington, and graduated Irvington High

He was blessed when his mom re-married to a really wonderful guy

Moe, as we did call him, treated Al as if his own

He gave him love, and much affection, and a stable happy home

Moe, and Ida conceived another son who to Al became so dear

James Vrzal, Al’s younger brother took care of Al in later years

Al joined the military, and he fought in Vietnam

He bravely served his country, as he was an Army man

Albert had a love for music and at one time formed a band

He was a mean drum player, but later on a guitar man

Al had two unlucky marriages that ended in divorce

To one a son named Brian, he lost touch not his recourse

Al was by trade a roofer and was in charge of roofing crews

Workers looked to Al for guidance, as Albert knew the roofing rules

Al’s true love in life was Donna; “Across My Heart” was their love song

When Donna died Al’s heart was broken, he lost his will to carry on

Declining health became an issue, his brother Jim looked after him

Until the day when death brought closure, Al was blessed by brother Jim

Thus by death Al’s life is over, but does his chapter book close here?

For death brings a new beginning to a world to us unclear

Re-united with his loved ones that had passed so long ago

Was there in Heaven a celebration, as Al entered Heaven’s glow?

For Jesus Christ our Savior, paid the price for all our sins

God’s love endures forever, and welcomes all who do seek Him

Thus we all can take some comfort in knowing Al is with the Lord

We will meet him at God’s table, when we’re called to Heaven’s doors.

An original poem by:  Carol Holbrook

May 25, 2015