Frank received a joyous welcome home
from the city he loved serving,
with a parade, and reception at
Portage Fire Station #Two
In our hearts, we all knew that
Frank was riding along in that helicopter,
smiling down on all of us.
Fly, fly precious one
Your endless journey has begun
Take your gentle happiness
Far too beautiful for this
Cross over to the other shore
There is peace forevermore
But hold this mem'ry bittersweet
Until we meet
Fly, Fly do not fear
Don't waste a breath, don't shed a tear
Your heart is pure, your soul is free
Be on your way, don't wait for me
Above the universe you'll climb
On beyond the hands of time
The moon will rise, the sun will set
But I won't forget
Fly, fly little wing
Fly where only angels sing
Fly away, the time is right
Go now, find the light.
( Celine Dion's "Fly", from "Falling Into You")
I've been called to many duties Lord,
And now I've been called home
I've had to leave the ones I love
To stand before your throne
I'll not complain, it's not my way
But there are some things I'll ask
As I am dispatched one last time
For My final task
And please Lord, grant them to me
For the loved ones I hold fast.
I dare to ask because I know
How you've blessed me in the past
I've learned to trust in your grace oh Lord,
That's how I've come this far.
So now oh God, I humbly pray,
Hear this fireman's prayer.
Bless my wife and family
so often left alone
They knew where I was going
and trusted you to bring me home
Well now I'm home and wait for them
keep them within the faith
That one day, some day
We'll be together in this wonderful place
And oh dear God, bless my friends
with peace and understanding
I've been dispatched to my final call
It's what I've always been planning.
I need to know you're with them Lord
Or else how can I stay
And peacefully enjoy this place
Of endless sunny days.
And Lord be with my community
And keep it safe as it can be
For all it's folks are special
And very dear to me
While I spent my time on earth
I served them best I could
So listen to this fireman's prayer
Grant it please, I knew you would
I hear the tones one last time
Calling me home to rest
Sweet music to my ears
My final dispatch, the best.
Written in memory of Frank Gilbert, Jr.
Dispatched One Last Time May 29, 1997
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