In memory of Chester Terry Ritter

December 9, 1946 - January 1, 2008

We can't let go of those we have left behind

It seems so long, so much time

Has passed since days we spent with them

Summers at camp, laughing with friends

Days in the cold stacking up wood, working so hard yet feeling so good

Laughing in the good times

Crying in the bad

It has been a year and I am still so sad

Words can't express the loss that I feel

There are times that I think this can't be real

Just last week he told me a joke

We were at his house, he gave Caleb a poke

Brandon, Kim and I helping up in the garage, working on trucks, working on cars

Wood stove going so we could stay warm

The bees down at the apartment, what a big swarm

Eating dinner with them sitting right at the table

Helping him do things when he was not able

I know he would want us to be glad

He's moved on with the Lord, we should not be sad

But this world is somehow smaller now that uncle's gone

And there are times that I feel as I just can't go on

His presence was great, his life was inspired

The friends that he made never left his side

Well, now looking back, I wish he were here

But I will just have to settle for memories in this new year.

Written by Mark Alters