Em’s dad was suffering from another breathing emergency. Conversations with the doctor indicated that his condition was much more serious than we thought. We were shocked as the doctor casually mentioned lung disease and Harry’s short time remaining.

We all gathered around to discus some sobering decisions to make about his life, yet Rose, Em’s mom was far from accepting the harsh realities of the situation. After a very long and drawn out series of illnesses, the truth was obvious—he was not going to live much longer.

Iris was sweet with her grandfather as he lay quietly in his hospital bed, waving at her with one finger wiggling out of the blanket. He always loved her so! He called her his angel. Leaving the hospital that night, Aaron took Rose’s hand to help her to the car over the icy surfaces. We reminisced about holding on to them when they were children and how time and aging exchanges the “supported” with the “supporter,” the “helped” with the “helper.”

With much to consider, our conversations settled on the idea of letting go, and how important it is for us to move on—no matter what stage of our life. The loving ties from over 50 years together between Rose and Harry, merely dramatized the situation for us. Life can be very sobering.

Lyrics

He takes his first step
We catch a deep breath
Rushing to help him land
We take his hand

He is not steady
We are not ready
To stand and watch
Him go all alone

She pedals faster
And through the laughter
Her father on demand
Removes his hand

She is not steady
He is not ready
To stand and watch
Her go all alone

He is her yesterday
Where she is from
She is his yet-to-be
What can become

By letting go
Each generation
Hands hold hope for family
In letting go
By letting go

Her kind grandfather
Smiles with our daughter
The years passed by as planned
She takes his hand

He is not steady
She is not ready
To stand and watch
Him go all alone

And then her brother
Walks with my mother
He has become a man
He takes her hand

She is not steady
He is not ready
To stand and watch
Her go all alone

She is his yesterday
Where he is from
He is her yet-to-be
What can become

By letting go
Each generation
Hearts hold hope for family
In letting go
That’s how we grow
By letting go

Letting go

Credits

From Reason to Stay, track released 01 January 2005
Cheryl Martlage – Lyrics and vocals
Emerson Martlage – Music, guitar and vocals
Tom Tomasello – Producer/Arranger
Jim Bruno – Vocal producer
Mr Toad’s San Francisco – Mastering
Inspiration – Harry Martage