Don't Feed the Seagulls is dedicated to my father. Dr. Dale Ursini von Rosenberg was an exceptionally intelligent man who saw the beauty and nature of God in many things: the laws of mathematics that he knew and loved so well, baseball, music, a good book, God's great out-of-doors and especially friends and family. He gave expression to his knowledge through the love he poured out to those around him. And he was greatly blessed to spend the last 49 years of his life as Marjorie's husband.
My father battled ALS the last 2 ½ years of his life. He fought valiantly and used all his strength, his will and his faith to sustain himself. His last battle was to live to see his whole family gathered about him one last time. As he counted the days, hours and minutes until everyone arrived, he seemed like the marathon runner entering the stadium for the final lap. With no energy left, he looked within and found a deep resolve; he looked about and found the support of his family and many friends, and he looked above and found the greatest strength of all. Then, like that tired marathon runner, he willed himself forward, across the finish line. We lifted him on our shoulders for a victory lap and then God lifted him higher to glory in heaven.
I watched my father's struggle and asked God to help me understand. He gave me this poem to write. It is a prayer and a conversation between God, a father and a son.
LOOK AT MY HANDS
Look at my hands, now crippled and old,
Once so strong, now what can they hold?
THEY HOLD THE LOVE I GAVE TO YOU,
YOU PASSED IT ON, YET IT STAYED AND GREW.
I felt it Dad, when you held me high,
I laughed and sang and touched the sky.
I felt God's love when you passed it through
And now I'm here to bring it back to you.
Look at my feet, I can barely stand,
They climbed tall mountains and crossed the land!
THEY CARRY THE MESSAGE OF JESUS' LOVE
HIGHER THAN MOUNTAINTOPS TO HEAVEN ABOVE.
I followed you Dad, to that highest peak
And I followed you Dad, our Savior to seek.
Your feet led me to Him when I was a boy,
With Him in our hearts, each day's filled with joy.
It's so hard to breathe, the air is so thin,
I want to shout and sing praises again.
I STILL HEAR THE SONGS AND THE PRAISES YOU LIFT,
COME SING THEM IN HEAVEN WHERE NEW LIFE IS YOUR GIFT!
You taught me to sing Dad, with you I give praise
And I thank God today I was your son to raise.
All of your family and your many friends too,
Each of us, all of us, see Jesus in you.
He's my Daddy, Lord, I can't say good-bye,
Whatever you do, please don't let him die!
THE LOVE THAT I GAVE HIM HE PASSED ON TO YOU,
NOW PASS IT TO OTHERS AND WATCH IT RENEW.
Don't fret over me, son, I've been born again,
I'm living in heaven and free from all sin.
My hands are strong, my feet can run,
Hear me shout, “Hallelujah, the Victory's won!”
Dedicated to Dr. Dale U. von Rosenberg
Written by his son, Byron von Rosenberg © June 24,2002
I hope that you will enjoy reading this book and feel the Holy Spirit's presence in the poems.
And perhaps you will find a little of my father there as well.
May God bless you and your family this day and always,
Yours in Christ,
Byron von Rosenberg
February 15, 2003
House Springs, Missouri
