Someone to Watch Over Me HERB GILBERT February 2, 1930 - February 23, 2004
When I was young at my mother’s knee,
She would tell me “what will be will be,”
As I grew to a young woman with the world to see,
Like the words of a song, I knew there would be “someone to watch over me”
At night I would dream of the man to come
With each man I met I asked my heart, “Is he the one?”
Much older for my years I was considered by my peers
I wasn’t interested in the young crowd who hung out and drank beers.
Then one day I was told of a man with sorrow in his life
You were raising two small children alone after the death of your wife.
Your mother lived next door to a friend of mine
And the friend insisted we were truly two of a kind.
Encouraged by my friend I took a pen in hand
And wrote a short note to you, this very sad man
A short note you returned and thanked me for my kindness
Several months without a word, as you took time to realize all was not hopeless
One day in the post box another letter I found,
You had finally got your feet back on the ground.
The letters flowed for months on end,
Then a trip to Colorado with one of my friends.
The first time I gazed into your eyes and upon your face
I knew in my heart you would forever claim a place.
Two weeks went by not a minute was wasted we never did tarry
A surprise for my folks when I got home, I was going to marry
Along with someone to watch over me,
To those two little kids a Mom I would be
The first year wasn’t easy I have to confess
But as the years rolled along I knew I’d been blessed
We all loved the outdoors, dogs and the horse
And our first boxer took us all on another course
You insisted a boxer was the best dog around
Now we shared a new passion, a new adventure was found
We planned to add to our family of four
But miscarriages and doctors told me chances were poor
Still we were happy, and took what was to be
After all I had someone to watch over me.
A move to Oklahoma a change of a lifestyle as it may
And then came the news our baby was on the way
We all held our breath but everything went so well
And we soon fell under the new wee one’s spell.
We raised a few horses, three kids and a few boxers too
Life always more special because I shared each with you
Our years together had their ups and downs
Each took our turn bringing the other back to ground.
We laughed we cried and loved as the years went along
All the time I remembered the words of that song.
All through the years our vows we kept true
And it was so hard to face I was losing you
So many times your body would send you spinning
But the battles ended with you always winning.
Your courage stayed strong as the body grew weak
And you finally told me it was peace you must seek.
You hated to see me in tears I had learned through the years
So I kept a brave face as I helped you face your own fears
I let my heart let you go, the tears I tried to hide
My place as always was at your side.
I prayed to the Lord to grant you his grace
And as you slipped away I saw painless peace on your face
The day you left me the world seemed so empty and dark
Still I awakened the next day to a familiar bark.
As Dollar Dog licked the tears from my eyes
We both saw your smile in the beautiful sunrise
I knew in my heart, your pain is gone, your soul is free
And I’ll always have “someone to watch over me.”
--- Ann ---
A FINAL FAREWELL
On July 2, 2004 our daughter, Doris, Dollar Dog and my furrry grandchild, Faith (English Setter) , drove to Colorado for Herb's final journey. His ashes and his spirit started our journey as always with him sitting next to me in the bucket seat of the van. When Doris and I drove off, he was seated next to both of us.
As we drove it was wet and rainy and I thought we would be hampered by bad weather; however, God had other plans and just shortly before we hit Denver's city limits the rain stopped and the sun began to shine over the beautiful back drop of those Rocky Mountains Herb so loved.
On Saturday morning we arose early and began the drive to Kenosha Pass. It was a glorious morning, just the kind Herb enjoyed those many years on patrol. Doris, myself, Dollar Dog and Faith, arrived at the pass and I was once again struck with the awe of such a beautiful view from the top of the pass. It was thirty-seven years ago to the date and hour Herb and I first met and the awesome view reminded me once more of the spectacular life we have shared. As a gesture of his favorite place to rest and have a cup of coffee we placed his urn and a cup of coffee on the monument at the top of the pass. The only thing I didn't supply was a cigarette but I know Herb would understand.
The sky was blue, the breeze blowing gently and the temperature was a pleasant 67 degrees. A perfect day and one I especially thank God for. Herb's ashes were released into the blue sky and as he drifted away on the breeze my heart grew light knowing he was finally home. His mortal body had left us in February but his spirit I feel waited for this wonderful release into his heaven on earth. His journey was over and one day my own path will take me to him.
There were tears and laughter along the way, just as there had been in the life we shared together. I've returned home knowing my beloved is forever free in those Colorado skies.
This is a map of the area Herb patrolled as a State Patrolman in Colorado. His "road" was from Bailey to Fairplay -- we lived in Bailey and Kenosha Pass is between Morrison and Como.
To view larger images of the above click on the image.
Someone to Watch Over Me
