You Will Be Missed, My Good Friend
Kirk Borchert (Good friend from Central Christian Church)
At a Church in Beloit, at a big grand piano.
That’s where I first saw you perform.
I, then in the choir, our Easter production.
You praised me with words kind and warm.
In a store that sells hardware. Our hometown of Janesville.
Was there you’d become my good friend.
Though you’ve gone far away, to the home that you longed,
our friendship, dear Kirk, will not end.
You told me your problems. I shared with you mine.
You listened and showed that you cared.
When I would be happy, your joy seemed to follow.
When troubled, I’d sense you were scared.
You leaned on me likewise. You came to me often.
I thank you for all of your trust.
For being so open, respecting me likewise,
towards everything that we discussed.
We argued a few times, but never stayed bitter.
Hey after all, what are friends for?
Our friendship was special. Not to be broken.
We always kept coming for more.
To my son, you were special. He will not forget you,
although he is not even two.
He’ll remember your music. Your total attention,
and everything kind you would do.
I’m missing you for him. He isn’t that old yet,
to realize his life is without you.
But when he is older, you know Kirk that I,
will tell him, good friend, all about you.
How you brought me much closer to Jesus my Savior.
How you taught me to worship and pray.
You walked the direction of love, peace and glory.
You’d stumbled a bit on the way.
I’d stumble behind you, but we kept right on walking.
The stumbling was gradually reversed.
Persistence paid off Kirk. I know you are smiling.
You happened to reach the goal first.
I know you’re in Heaven, with father and Stella.
Please tell them we all say “hello”.
I know that you’ve gone to be close to your Savior.
I wish you did not have to go.
Like me you had known just the way that it was.
It seemed life was often unkind.
I know you are better off where you are now.
It’s hard for me staying behind.
Still your mem’ries exist, inside of my head.
My life you’ve influenced forever.
Your going away, did something to me.
Pulled some kind of magical lever.
I’ll visit you often. I’ll talk to you daily. I’ll practice just like you would show me. And I’ll always be glad, for the time that you took, for listening, getting to know me.
Good-bye Kirk July 5, 1995