happily devastated

How do you capture all those years

In a short moment of time wrapped in tears

A life devoted to healing and caring

For those who’s needs were not always apparent

I know two things are simultaneously true

I am happily devastated

Advocacy taught to those around you

A heart of compassion with your soprano notes soaring

always vocalizing empathy’s song

These were lessons instilled in your children, galvanized like a steeldrum ringing

I became a man in your rearing

know you’re pride brings me joyful sorrows

and the brightest of sad tears

I am happily devastated

With a heart wide-open, With a West Indies flare, you

touched the souls of anyone the that came near

And when there was a battle to be fought

you never backed down until you found some victory

Not always found on the battlefield or stars

but in the silver lining you turned into a playbook

And now these lessons I share with the world

We are truly now,  happily devastated.

David Watson

01/16/2026

Dedicated in memory of my beloved mum, to Bill Kirst’s mom, and Joe Nichols’s Dad. RIP.