Stand by My Grave

I remember that old dirt driveway. Your little hand inside my own. You used to say, "Don't leave me, Daddy." Now I sit here all alone. I gave my years to keep you standing. Worked these hands down to the bone. But somewhere between this life and pride, You stopped coming home. The Scripture says a father gives good gifts to His sons. I gave you everything I had. Still, Somehow we came undone. Stand by my grave When heaven calls me, And read the words beneath my name. Tell God the man beneath this stone Loved his son through all the pain. And if your tears fall on the roses After all these years apart, Know every prayer I whispered for you Was written on my heart. Your mother left this world in winter, And I watched my whole life fade. I tried to fight the grief inside me, But sorrow changed the man I made. I drowned my nights inside the bottle, Like Jonah running from the sea. Until one broken midnight prayer Brought Jesus back to me. The prodigal came home forgiven, That's what the Scriptures say. So I still leave the porch light burning In case you find your way. Stand by my grave When I am sleeping, And tell me you remember now. Tell me all the years between us Finally laid their weapons down. And if God lets the dead hear sorrow, I'll hear every word you say. So don't wait until I'm gone, son, To love me this way. Ezekiel saw dry bones awaken. So maybe hearts can live again. Maybe what this world calls broken, God still calls His son. And maybe somewhere beyond this silence, You'll take my hand again. Stand by my grave, But don't just mourn me. Bring every wound you could not heal. Lay them beside these tired flowers, And finally let yourself feel. Because the Father waits in heaven Like I waited here below. With open arms for sons still wandering, Hoping they come home. And when you whisper, "Father, I'm sorry," I'll ask Jesus To hold you for me.