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
