bestofwordsremembering02.html

God is the final authority here, and I thank Him for you,
and allowing me to share with you in this way.
Lord, please continue to use me to do Thy Will.
Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others.
Keep me strong that I may help the weak and unsaved.
Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others.
May the Holy Spirit always continue to guide me.
I ask for your continued prayers, and please pray for each other

Bunny's Words © 1999-2004 All rights reserved

Gard61@aol.com

Song Playing is: "And Hold You In The Palm Of His Hand" by Michael Crawford

Music is for evaluation purposes only.
If you like the music, please support the artists by purchasing the CD.

I absolutely do not receive any monetary gain for anything.
Everything I do is freely given, as it was freely received.

When I have to leave you for a short time, please don't get sad
And stay with that sadness through years.
Instead, start again with courage and with a smile for me.
And in my name live your life the best you can,
And make everything like you did before.
Don't fill up your loneliness with empty days.
Instead, fill up everyday in a useful way.
Give your hand to those who need comfort,
And for that I'll comfort you and have you beside me.
Never, never be afraid of death
Because I'll be waiting for you in Heaven.

Your battles now are over and you're safe on Heaven's shore,
You won't have to suffer or struggle anymore.
We honor you, dear friend, with our gathering here today,
And we know that you're in Heaven and your pains are gone away.
We wouldn't have wanted to keep you even for another day,
Unless we could have seen you well, that would have been the only way. We knew that you were heading Home and that you were ready to go. That soon you'd be with Christ Our Lord and others that you loved so.

As we think back on the last few days that you spent here on earth, We remember the faith you had in Christ and in your God given second birth.
Your faith never wavered as your departure time drew near,
You knew you'd be in Heaven as soon as you left here.
So dearly beloved brother as we remember you just now,
Even in all our sadness we are joyful as our heads we bow.
We praise God for your faithfulness as His witness to the end,
And we say goodbye for a little while knowing we'll see you
in Heaven, dear friend.

************************

I Remember Papa

When I was a kid, a father was like the light in a
refrigerator. Every house had one, but nobody knew what
either of them did once the door was shut.
My dad left the house every morning and always seemed
glad to see everyone at night.
He opened the jar of pickles when nobody else could.
He was the only one in the house who wasn't afraid to go to the basement by himself.
He cut himself shaving, but no one kissed it or got excited about it.
It was understood whenever it rained, he got the car and brought it around to the door.
When anyone was sick, he got the prescription filled.
He set mousetraps, cut back the roses so the thorns, wouldn't clip you when you came to the front door.
When I got a bike, he ran alongside me for at least a thousand miles until I got the hang of it.
I was afraid of everyone else's father, but not my own.
Once I made him tea. It was only sugar water, but he sat on a small chair and said it was delicious.
Whenever I played house, the mother doll had a lot to do. I never knew what to do with the daddy doll, so I had him say, "I'm going off to work now," and threw him under the bed.
When I was nine years old, my father didn't get up one morning and go to work.
He went to the hospital and died the next day.
I went to my room and felt under my bed for the daddy doll. When I found him, I dusted him off and put him on my bed.
He never did anything. I didn't know his leaving would hurt so much. I still don't know why.

If a tiny baby could think, it would be afraid of birth. To leave the only world it has known would seem a kind of death. But immediately after birth the child would find itself in loving arms, showered with affection and cared for at every moment. Surely the baby would say, "I was foolish to doubt God's plan for me.
This is a beautiful life."
For the Christian, passing through death is really a birth into a new and better world. Those who are left behind should not grieve as if there were no hope.
Life is changed, not taken away. Our dear ones live on, in a world beautiful beyond anything we can imagine. With Jesus and Mary they await the day when they will welcome us with joy.
"Do not grieve too much," they say to us. "We are living and are still with you."
So many people see in death nothing but a cruel separation from loved ones. Even good and religious people make that sad mistake.
In death there is certainly the very real pain and sorrow of physical separation. But it is equally true that our loved ones remain with us. They do not just go off to some dark and distant place. They simply continue into eternal life. We do not see them because we are still in the darkness of this world. But their spiritual eyes, filled with the light of Heaven, are always
watching us as they wait for the day when we shall share their perfect joy. We are born for Heaven and we end this life of tears to begin our life of endless happiness.
The tears that dampen our eyes in times of mourning are tears of homesickness, tears of longing for our loved ones. But it is we who are away from home, not they! Death has been for them a doorway to an eternal home. They are still with us, lovingly and tenderly waiting for the day when we, too, will enter the
doorway of our eternal home.

It is such a mistake to see death as separation and nothing more. For us who believe, death is a preparation for eternal union with those we love, in the peace and joy of Heaven.

************************

Lights of Love

Can you see our candles, burning in the night? Lights of love we
send you, rays of purest children we remember, though missing
from our sight. In honor and remembrance, we light candles in the night. All across the big blue marble, spinning out in space. Can you see the candles burning from this human place? Oh, angels gone before us who taught us perfect love. This night the world lights candles that you may see them from above. Tonight the globe is lit by love of those who know great sorrow, but as we remember our yesterdays let's light one candle for tomorrow. We will not forget, and every year in deep December on earth we will light candles
As................we remember

Tears

If tears could build a stairway, and memories were a lane,
I would walk right up to Heaven to bring you home again.
No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye.
You were gone before I knew it, and only God knows why.
My heart still aches in sadness and secret tears still flow,
What it meant to lose you, no one will ever know.

Hush now precious, please don't cry,
There comes a time when we all die. Just take heed now that I'm at peace and free from my pain. I will always be watching over you.
Our love will always be held true. Don't you weep now, don't you mourn, or my heart will then be torn. Just remember the good times we shared, knowing that we always cared. I've not gone away, we'll never part, as I will always be in your heart.
by Carol Matthews

************************

Memories Of You

I remember everything about you, your voice, your smile, your touch, the way you walked, the way you talked,
the way you looked at me, meant so much.
I remember all the words you said to me, some funny, some kind, some wise. All of the things you did for me,
I see now with different eyes.
I remember every moment we shared, seems like only yesterday,
or maybe it was eons ago, it's really hard to say.
You are gone from me now, but one thing they can't take away,
your memory resides inside my heart, and lights up my darkest days...

"For those who have been faithful, O Lord, life is not ended, but merely changed; and when this earthly abode dissolves, an eternal dwelling place awaits them in Heaven."
Preface, Mass for Christian Burial

************************

"Nearly Wings"

She leads them to the river
their lilting voices singing as they go
beautiful they are
the new day lifts their heart in song
as they gleefully skip along
one can reach out and touch a butterfly
another reaches to brush the petals of the wild rose
what magic everything brings to them
the elders watch with a twinkle in their eye
they know the happiness in their children's hearts
and they are happy in their song
the beautiful one leads them
she takes their minds away
to the time of joy
the time of loving the beauty of their life
her name is "Nearly Wings"
they know her as the one who almost flies
and tells the stories of visions
and the past of their ancestors
down at the river they sit to listen
her new songs they will learn
and their hearts will become good
the morning is beautiful
they are happy in God and all is right

There Was A Tiny Little Mouse

There was a tiny little mouse
That decided it was time to live in a house.
He checked the entire neighborhood,
Through the thickened weeds,
To find a place to call his own ... one to fit his needs.

When all at once he saw a home, with an old man who lived there all alone.
He stopped by garbage cans and such, to tell his friends he'd be out of touch;
With many sad and teary goodbyes, he left the streets as he let out a sigh.
He settled into the place he called home,
And decided to be friends ... with the man who lived alone.

The first night he spent there, he looked all around
To see what he'd find, and here's what he found ...
Some pictures of a loving wife, some kids that he had given life;
He saw a letter left in the drawer, and when he read it, this is what he saw ...

"My dear, dear, husband, I soon will be gone, but please be strong and try to go on;
I hope that our children will be kind to you,
I hate to leave you darlin', but my life on earth is through."

All at once the phone rang loud, he ran to answer it and he sounded very proud ...
"No son, it's fine ... I have places to go, besides, around Christmas, I'm afraid of the snow;
Billy, you have a good holiday, and please tell the kids Grandpa's gifts are on their way."

He hung up the phone and dried away a tear,
He looked up toward the Heavens and said, "I miss you so my dear."

He went to a chair and put on the TV, and changed the channels for something to see;
When all at once, he saw me standing there, I thought he'd try to chase me but all he did was stare.
He said, "Hi you little critter ... welcome to my home! Now I feel much better for I am not alone."

Well, that was a while ago when all this came about,
And now I'm feeling awful ... They just carried his body out.
I have such wonderful memories, he was such a gentle man;
I remember the dinners that we'd share, as he fed me right out of his hand.

I never saw his children ... Well, ... not until today,
As they went through the entire house, and carted things away.
I must go back into the streets where friends of mine still roam;
But I'll miss the man who lived here, for I made his house a home.

What Autumn Brings

    When the colors of gold and russet are here
     Listen for my voice for I'll be near
     When the warm days of summer are just a memory
     I'll come to you and never again apart will we be
     As the spring awakens all living things
     The soft gentle state of slumber is what Autumn brings
     A slumber that will take you back to days of long ago
     To another time and place you long to go
      Where we will walk in the moon's light
       Counting the stars as they twinkle in the night
       And when the colors have faded away
       I'll still be here forever to stay
        No more will I be just a memory
        For I know now I belong forever with thee.

Louise Riveiro - Mitchell aka Cheyenne Autumn Sky

Mother, There's So Much I'd Like To Say To You

Mother, I wish you could know of all those times I am thinking of you - wondering what you are doing and feeling, hoping you are happy and having a special day.
I wish you could hear me speak so highly of you to my friends, and all the good things I hear when others speak of your remarkable kindness.
I wish you could see the pleasure I find in my memories of you and how often I look to you for guidance in my life ... how much I value your opinion, admire your ability to accept people and things as they are.
I wish you could know how often I think back to all those times you appeared so calm, seemed so happy, looked so courageous, even if you felt none of these things, just so I could feel the security of a safe, happy childhood.
I wish you could see how much clearer I see you now; how much more involved my feelings for you have become.
I wish I had said
"I love you, Mother," every day of my life ... because I do.

Don't think of him as gone away, his journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets, this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting, from the sorrows and the tears,
in a place of warmth and comfort, where there are no days and years.
Think of how he must be wishing, that we could know today,
how nothing but our sadness, can really pass away.
And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched,
for nothing loved is ever lost, and he was loved so much.

************************

On earth, we do not understand, why babies have to die.
Their little lives are taken, and our painful cry is, "Why?"
As we endure the pains of life, no other pain compares.
A parent weeping for a child, just briefly, it was theirs.
For reasons we don't understand, the little lives are taken.
And we cry out to God above, "Why must I be forsaken?"
This little one did nothing wrong, its life had just begun.
How could the Lord allow this thing, if He's the Holy One?
I held the stillborn in my arms, tears running down my face.
My baby never had a chance, her life was just a trace.
I got to hold her briefly, and my heart was breaking so,
This little girl, I held so tight, I'd never get to know.
As I held my little girl, with pain I could not bear,
I felt a presence in the room, I knew someone was there.
With earthly eyes, I tried to see, through pain and bitterness,
And wanted so to scream at God,
For cheating me like this. Then, I felt a warming glow,
As it surrounded me, and then, I heard an Angel whisper,
"What must be, will be."

"God knows your suffering and your pain, but, you must understand,
Everything that God allows, is for His final plan.
You only see the earthly things, and some will cause you pain.
But, be assured, your daughter's safe, and you'll see her again."
"This life is temporary, everybody's going to die.
I know that you can't understand, and want to question, Why?
God has sent His Angels, and we came to comfort you.
We ask you share this message, with the other Mothers too."
"Many Mothers lose their children, soon after they're born.
The Angels know their pain and grief, and feel it when they mourn.
But, one thing Angels know, that Mothers do not understand,
One day the Mothers once again, will hold their children's hand.
They'll hold them in their arms, and they will say their precious name,
And on that day they'll understand, why they went through the pain."

"There is a plan in Heaven, and one day you'll celebrate,
Because your little one is waiting, just beyond the gate."

Copyright James Kisner

************************

Nothing is lost.
We are too sad to know that, or too blind;
Only in visited moments do we understand:
It is not that the dead return,
They are about us always, though outguessed.
"Nothing Is Lost"

Death has been occurring since Adam and Eve. It's a normal part of the life process. When it happens to a loved one, there is a time to grieve, and this is proper, but there is also a time to move on and deal with it.

I wish you could all know our neighbor. Some months ago she lost her Godly husband suddenly and prematurely. Of course she grieved -- deeply, and still does, but she has the kind of faith coupled with common sense that encourages her to say, "OK, now it's time to get over it and move on with life." She has dealt with it admirably. She relishes the great memory of the years they had together, but she has dealt with the fact that he is gone and no amount of moping will bring him back. She has the kind of positive attitude about it that every Christian in the same circumstance should have.

If you are emotionally crippled by despondence over the loss of a loved one, may I respectfully suggest that you answer two questions:
1) Would my deceased loved one want me to react this way?
2) Would God want me to react this way?

In Matt. 11:28 (nlt), Jesus says, "Come unto Me, all you who are weary (or grieving) and carry heavy burdens, and I will
give you rest," but we have to be willing to drop those burdens on Him, accept His offer of rest and then move on from there.

Thinking Of You On Father's Day

Dear Daddy I miss you more everyday
Things just don't seem normal since you went away
I think of all the good times we shared
It feels so good to know how much you cared
The things I remembered you taught me so well
You picked me up each time I fell
The tears of a lifetime you tried to hide
They shown in your eyes but you called it pride
Your smile now is only in my memory
But I still have your love, it's always with me
Someday we'll be walking down memory lane
You'll hold my hand, with you I'll remain
Until that sweet day when we'll nevermore part
Dear Daddy I miss you but you're still in my heart!

To my dearest family, something's I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from Heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness. Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you... in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years,
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb.
But together we can do it, by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy, and I'd like it for you too,
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night.....My day was not in vain.
And now I am contented... that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along I made somebody smile.
God says "If you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low, just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go."
When you're walking down the street with me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go... from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going..... you're coming here to me.

Author.......Ruth Ann Mahaffey ©Copyright 1998-2002

************************

Our house is not a home anymore since you left to go to war
I miss your voice, your touch, your smile and oh so very much more.
Today I had a visit from a soldier back from war. I knew the moment that I heard, the knock upon the door that you would not return to me, no never, any more.
Now how do I go on with life, my heart has stopped, I cannot breathe, my ears can't hear your voice and fear is constantly near. Without you now my love, my heart is full of fear.
The shock and pain are slowly, trying to subside, for I know the Lord will comfort me, each and every time I bring my needs before Him, with a prayer upon my lips. For He is my fortress and the rock from whom I'll never hide.
The Bible promises comfort to everyone who mourns, for the Lord will wipe away my tears and bring me back some joy.
I never will forget you dear, you will always be in my heart. But for now the Lord has chosen in His divine wisdom that we must be apart.
I know that we will meet again, remember that my dear, for time is not the same in Heaven, so you need not fear. A day is as a thousand years and as long this is true
our next meeting will seem as though it's only been an hour, a day, or two.

written by Annie 1998

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

From these honored dead, we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here, gave the last full measure of devotion, that we here highly resolve these dead shall not have died in vain...

A Day Not Forgotten

Jim was with his family on vacation in Hawaii, and they decided to go on the tour of the Memorial site for the USS Arizona.
The tour boat was loaded to capacity. While they were waiting to board it, Jim noticed an elderly man, probably in his 80s. He was surrounded by many people. He was frail looking and needed the support of his cane and family members to help him walk.
Jim and his family waited patiently as the elderly man boarded the boat. Jim thought to himself, why would someone so old and frail be wanting to go on a boat ride? The ride was only a few minutes and soon they were at the Memorial.
They all disembarked the boat and went about seeing the sites. Jim and his family were reading all the information about the attack on Pearl Harbor and the attack on the USS Arizona, when they noticed the frail elderly man in the center of the Memorial. He was sobbing uncontrollably on his knees at the circle opening to the water below. His family was by his side trying to console him as he placed a wreath in the water. Jim was naturally concerned and approached a park official who was watching the scene, and who was obviously moved by it.
Jim asked, "Who is the man crying?"
The park official answered with tears running down his cheeks, "He is one of the Japanese pilots that dropped bombs on the USS Arizona, and he has come here to mourn for those that were killed by his bombs so many years ago."
Jim watched as the old man got to his feet and shuffled off still sobbing, with his family by his side. Jim returned to his family and, as they looked around the room, there wasn't a dry eye.
As the old man was leaving the Memorial, there were several Navy personnel in uniform who had overheard the story and they in turn, snapped to attention, to briskly salute the old man, paying him respect for his tribute to those that had lost their lives on that day -- December 7, 1941.

Chris Woody

A Bridge Called Love

It takes us back to brighter years, to happier sunlit days and to precious moments that will be with us always.
And these fond recollections are treasured in the heart to bring us always close to those from whom we had to part.
There is a bridge of memories from earth to Heaven above. It keeps our dear ones near us. It's the bridge that we call love.

Dance With The Angels

She was but a wee child, only slightly taller than her beloved little puppy.
Aye, but her heart was as large as the sun that hung brightly in the sky.
Her smile was sweet and broad like a pink rose when in full bloom.
And her childish giggles would cause even the biggest sourpuss to smile.
Gleefully, she would dance and twirl, so carefree, so without
worry or concern. She would leap and jump, her tiny reddish-curls bouncing and bobbing with each step.

She was God's child; perfumed in joy and innocence, she was enchanting. She drew all into her celebration of life, so delightful, even angels danced with her.

Oh wee lass, I see you so clearly, let me sit here and watch,
and remember. To bring back for just one day, for but one moment, the same joy you now embrace.
Touch me once again with the innocence that cloaks you, the bliss you walk in.
Become my eyes once again, that I may see as you now see, each day a gift of promise.

She stood on tiptoes and she danced, her arms stretched towards Heaven.
A bit older now, but still untouched by pain or worry or fear.
Life remains sweet. Her puppy, now her faithful companion,
shares in her girlish secrets and dreams.
Wee steps replaced with graceful leaps, giggles still become her; the heart remains open.

Oh young lass, I see you so clearly, let me sit here and watch, and remember. You see all in wonderment, your prayers are simple ones, angels do not hide their face. Smile young lass, enjoy your days of expectation, trouble is an unknown stranger. Dance young lass, celebrate your life, while youth's virtue still clothes you softly.

Springtime waltzed by her, year after year, and the blossoms
did bud and fade. And her laughter is still joyful, but not with the fullness as had been once before. The lass is now a young woman, and burdens do weigh on her shoulders and feet.
She endeavors to continue with life's dance, learning to hide disappointments in her smile.

She balances on tiptoes, she moves with elegance.
Her body now long and lean.
Her giggles are quieted, she wears a faint smile, somber eyes are cast downward.
Obligation now her partner, it restrains her, dictating every step, her dreams begin to fade.
Her companion only a memory buried along with her secrets; her heart now a graveyard.

Oh solemn lass, I see you so clearly, let me sit here and watch,
and remember. Would that I could hold you, dry your tears ...
Life is not always as one hopes it to be.
Compromise; such an unfriendly word to one who sought such high aspirations.
Dance lass, please, one more time.
With painted smiles she dances, her arms hung low.

Winter sets in, life is frozen and cold, wee steps are all that she can now take.
Faint lines are seen where laughter was once expressed
in her eyes and her smile.
She balances on a chair, with feet twisted and callused.
Her body now frail and bent.
Memories lost, as is the day, faces of strangers is all that she sees.
She is now alone.

Oh precious lass, I see you so clearly, it is time to join you.
Lass, hold my hand, don't be afraid.
Lass, let me tuck the wisps of gray hair away from your lovely and beautiful face.
Lass, let me kiss those eyes that once sparkled with joy,
I still can see a faint glimmer.
Let me lift you to your feet, and on your toes once more.
Lass ... hold my hand ... it is time.

She stood on tiptoes, and angels came forth to accompany her home, one on each side.
A wee puppy was placed in her arms, and its warm little tongue licked away all the tears.
Aye, she was God's child once again, perfumed in joy and wholeness.
She was radiant!
She stood on tiptoes, arms lifted, puppy by her feet.
Dance lass ... Dance with the angels!

Reprinted with the permission of.......

My Dad's Hands

Bedtime came, we were settling down,
I was holding one of my lads.
As I grasped him so tight, I saw a strange sight:
My hands...they looked like my dad's!
I remember them well, those old gnarled hooks,
there was always a cracked nail or two.
And thanks to a hammer that strayed from its mark,
his thumb was a beautiful blue!
They were rough, I remember, incredibly tough,
as strong as a carpenter's vice.
But holding a scared little boy at night,
they seemed to me awfully nice!
The sight of those hands - how impressive it was
in the eyes of his little boy.
Other dads' hands were cleaner, it seemed
(the effects of their office employ).
I gave little thought in my formative years
of the reason for Dad's raspy mitts:
The love in the toil, the dirt and the oil,
rusty plumbing that gave those hands fits!
Thinking back, misty-eyed, and thinking ahead,
when one day my time is done.
The torch of love in my own wrinkled hands
will pass on to the hands of my son.
I don't mind the bruises, the scars here and there
or the hammer that just seemed to slip.
I want most of all when my son takes my hand,
to feel that love lies in the grip.

Today the journey is ended,
I have worked out the mandates of fate;
Naked, alone, undefended,
I knock at the Uttermost Gate.
Behind is life and its longing
Its trial, its trouble, its sorrow;
Beyond is the Infinite Morning
Of a day without a tomorrow.
Go back to dust and decay,
Body, grown weary and old;
You are worthless to me from today
No longer my soul can you hold.
I lay you down gladly forever
For a life that is better than this.
I go where partings ne'er sever
You into oblivions abyss.
Lo, the gate swings wide at my knocking,
Across endless reaches I see
Lost friends with laughter come flocking
To give a glad welcome to me.
Farewell, the maze has been threaded,
This is the ending of strife;
Say not that death should be dreaded
'Tis but the beginning of life.

by......Wenonah Stevens Abbott

Weep not for me though I am gone into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long, upon my soul's sweet flight.
I am at peace, my soul's at rest, there is no need for tears,
for with your love I was so blessed for all those many years.
There is no pain, I suffer not, the fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts, in your memory I live on.
Remember not my fight for breath, remember not the strife.
Please do not dwell upon my death, but celebrate my life.

by......Constance Jenkins

The Board Meeting had come to an end.
Bob started to stand up and jostled the table, spilling
his coffee over his notes. "How embarrassing.
I am getting so clumsy in my old age."
Everyone had a good laugh, and soon we were all telling
stories of our most embarrassing moments. It came around
to Frank who sat quietly listening to the others.
Someone said, "Come on, Frank. Tell us your most
embarrassing moment."

Frank laughed and began to tell us of his childhood.
"I grew up in San Pedro. My Dad was a fisherman,
and he loved the sea. He had his own boat, but it was
hard making a living on the sea. He worked hard and
would stay out until he caught enough to feed the family.
Not just enough for our family, but also for his Mom and
Dad and the other kids that were still at home."
He looked at us and said, "I wish you could have
met my Dad. He was a big man, and he was strong from
pulling the nets and fighting the seas for his catch.
When you got close to him, he smelled like the ocean.
He would wear his old canvas, foul-weather coat and his
bibbed overalls. His rain hat would be pulled down over
his brow. No matter how much my Mother washed them,
they would still smell of the sea and of fish."
Frank's voice dropped a bit. "When the weather was bad
he would drive me to school. He had this old truck
that he used in his fishing business.
That truck was older than he was.
It would wheeze and rattle down the road.
You could hear it coming for blocks. As he would drive
toward the school, I would shrink down into the seat
hoping to disappear. Half the time, he would slam to
a stop and the old truck would belch a cloud of smoke.
He would pull right up in front, and it seemed like
everybody would be standing around and watching.
Then he would lean over and give me a big kiss on the
cheek and tell me to be a good boy. It was so
embarrassing for me. Here, I was twelve years old,
and my Dad would lean over and kiss me good-bye!"
He paused and then went on, "I remember the day
I decided I was too old for a good-bye kiss.
When we got to the school and came to a stop, he had
his usual big smile. He started to lean toward me,
but I put my hand up and said, ''No, Dad.'' It was the
first time I had ever talked to him that way, and he
had this surprised look on his face." I said, "Dad,
I'm too old for a good-bye kiss. I'm too old for any
kind of kiss."
"My Dad looked at me for the longest time, and his eyes
started to tear up. I had never seen him cry.
He turned and looked out the windshield."
"You're right," he said. "You are a big boy....a man.
I won't kiss you anymore."
Frank got a funny look on his face, and the tears began
to well up in his eyes, as he spoke. "It wasn't long
after that when my Dad went to sea and never came back. It was a day when most of the fleet stayed in, but not Dad. He had a big family to feed. They found his boat adrift with its nets half in and half out. He must have gotten into a gale and was trying to save the nets and the floats."
I looked at Frank and saw that tears were running down
his cheeks. Frank spoke again. "Guys, you don't know
what I would give to have my Dad give me just one more
kiss on the cheek....to feel his rough old face....to
smell the ocean on him....to feel his arm around my neck. I wish I had been a man then. If I had been a man, I would never have told my Dad I was too old for a good-bye kiss."
I don't know about the rest of the guys, but I wanted
more than anything to put my arms around my Dad let him
know just how special he was to me.
It is so easy to forget to tell people how important
they are to us, especially our parents.
If you are lucky enough to still have your dad around,
then go and see him. Tell him how much you love and
appreciate him. And if you can, put your arms around
him, give him a kiss on the cheek, and let him know
that he is the most important man in your life.

************************

"I watched a small man with thick calluses on both hands work fifteen and sixteen hours a day. I saw him once literally bleed from the bottoms of his feet, a man who came here uneducated, alone, unable to speak the language, who taught me all I needed to know about faith and hard work by the simple eloquence of his example."
Mario Cuomo

To Rain and Rain Again

An unplanned word on a cloudy day
A lightning strike of pain.
A brutal course of wayward lead took love and every grain of sand that was beneath my feet
Why must I fall again? Abandoned by my disbelief,
Too soon I feel the rain.
Gone? Not gone, it cannot be.
The words my memory stain.
The blade of torment rips my heart
It rips and rips again.
Fragmented dreams of hope now lay where early dreams are lain, as teardrops fall and fall and fall and fall and fall again.
With moisture dripping down my face they thought it was the rain.
I turn my head and feel my eyes rain and rain again...

************************

Good-bye

The word jumped off the pages and it jumped into my heart. The pain I felt was like a knife, that caused the tears to start. I tried to turn my eyes away, but the word just looked at me,
I didn't want to recognize, I didn't want to see.
I tried to turn the pages, or to read a different book,
and yet the word kept calling me, saying, "Yes, you must now look. You need to know the end has come to realize it's gone and even if you cry inside, the song has all gone wrong."
And so I look and realize, and I begin to cry,
I see it there, and recognize, it's time to say "Goodbye."

Shadows Reign
How sad is love when heartaches come, how sad to walk away, with painful years, so filled with tears, a thousand miles of gray.
Emotion so invisible, embedded in my soul, the one that cries, and then it dies, the one that loved you so.
Dark clouds now above me loom like a shadowed veil of pain.
The music that he sang to me will not be heard again.
Still I remember all those days "forever" now is gone.
Those sunny days of yesterday to someone else belong.
There goes my world, it's slipped again into the waiting pain.
Another life without a goal, is under shadows reign..

Heaven's Door

If I should go before you,
If life on earth were through;
I'll stop just inside Heaven's door,
And there I'll wait for you.
You've but to look across star filled skies,
Past the moon and then beyond;
To know my leaving could never break,
This hearts undying bond.
And if you should go before me,
If your journey on earth were through;
You know I will be close behind,
I'll never be far from you.
Across the span of time and space,
This love will reach this far;
For you'll always carry a bit of my heart,
No matter where you are.
We've no way of knowing who will remain,
Or who will go on before;
But if I should go first, you'll find love there,
I'll be waiting just inside Heaven's door

The Party

One early, lovely morning, Alone I ventured out,
I had the world to myself, Not another soul about.
Drinking deeply of the morning air, I headed for the park,
My steps were light and fancy free, Like a child on a lark.
Around a curve and up a knoll, I found a rustic seat,
I thought I'd sit a moment, And still my dancing feet.
An old, old man approached me, Out of nowhere, he appeared,
He mopped his wrinkled brow and said, "Mornin' - mind if I sit here?"
I smiled and said, "Of course not, You're welcome to sit down."
He sat and, in a pensive way, began to look around.
"Do you come here very often?" I asked, to break the ice,
"I come here everyday," he said, "This place is very nice."
"This is where I met my wife, So many years ago,
This bench has our initials. See here, I told you so."
He pointed to some knifelike scrawls, and touched them with his finger,
He did not pull his hand away, like a soft caress, it lingered.
"We were married fifty years," he proudly volunteered,
"God took her home to be with Him, He took her just last year."
"Oh, I'm sorry, sir," I said, and patted his frail shoulder,
"No," he answered, "It's okay, it's like I always told her.
"If you go home before I do, ask God to save my place,
Ask Him to look out after you, til I meet Him face to face.
Then I can look Him in the eye, and shake His Godly hand,
I'll thank Him for attending you, and speak up, man to man.
But first she'll hold my party," he winked a teasing eye,
"The biggest welcome party, ever held up in that sky.
I suspect there will be trumpets, (you know how women are,)
A real celestial shindig, complete with shining stars.
It will be a grand homecoming, Jenny knows just how to do,
She's good at planning parties, Bet she'll get a choir, too."
He closed his eyes and nodded, lost in pleasant reverie,
A hint of smile on his lips, from fancied imagery.
With that, he got up from the bench, to shuffle down the walk,
But first he turned and said to me, "I enjoyed our little talk."
Then that tiny, aging man, moved slowly down the way,
As he disappeared from view, a voice seemed to say.
Oh, what a party there will be, when this precious soul comes home,
His wife will hug him to her heart, and God will bring him to His throne!
Next there'll be a gala banquet, no one will want to miss,
God will be the Gracious Host, and sweet Jenny will assist!

by Virigina Ellis, Copyright 1999

Suppertime

Come home, come home, it's suppertime
the shadows they lengthen fast.
Come home, come home, it's suppertime
We're going home at last.

You know, some of the fondest memories of my
childhood were woven around suppertime.
When Mom would come to the back steps
of the old home place and she'd say,
"Child, come on in, it's suppertime.

Oh my how I'd love to hear that once more,
but you know, time has woven the realization
of the truth that is even more thrilling and
that's when the Lord comes to the Portals Of Glory
and says to come on in, for it's suppertime.

And we'll be gathered around the table of the
Lord Himself and the greatest suppertime of them all.

In visions now I see her standing yonder and her
familiar voice I hear once more.
the banquet table's ready up in Heaven.
Oh it's suppertime upon the Golden Shore.

We're going home at last!

Angels Go Before You

May you always walk in peace and in God's loving grace.
For there is not a bird that flies, nor a cloud that passes that He is unaware of.
Allow Him to guide you, provide for your needs, and know that He is with you always.
Rest in Him.
He is the one that brought you out of bondage, for this very reason, that you could worship Him.
As you praise Him, your deliverance comes. And with it comes joy, as you have never known.
Before you shall be angels to prepare the way you are to go.
You will see His hand move and you will see healing of the blinded eyes and peace, enter where there was much torment.
Take the authority which He has given and believe and receive the power that is yours today.
Let His light shine from you and flow to others that hurt, so they may be healed.
Remember when you were hurting and you asked Him to heal you? Then tell others of your healing. That their faith may grow and new hope rise within them.

written by: SJ Busby

The beauty of a sunset is a splendor to behold,
sometimes the sky's afire with tints of red and gold.
Then other times it's gentle like a lover's soft embrace,
enthralling us in grandeur to be blessed with such a place.

How special are these moments that nature lets us see,
moments where our spirits will struggle to be free.
These moments, when they find us, bring contented inner peace, moments that we purge ourselves and give our souls release.

We see how small we really are next to nature's majestic age, it grants us humbling moments when pondering this awesome stage.

This is a union as day couples with the night,
a dance of perfect harmony, the joining of darkness with light.
When these two forces come together, they are more united then when apart, we stand to learn so much from this display of divine art.

Embrace the feeling within your heart when nature opens the door, for if you do you will find you are granted so much more.
As Mother Earth prepares for slumber,
it's enough to make one pray, for the gift of seeing this miracle again another day....

The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy, if there were no limitations to overcome.
The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful
if there were no dark valleys to traverse.

May we never let the things we can't have, or don't have, or shouldn't have, spoil our enjoyment of the things we do have and can have.
As we value our happiness let us not forget it, for one of the greatest lessons in life is learning to be happy without the things we cannot or should not have.

Deuteronomy 7:9 niv

Know therefore that the LORD Your God is God,
He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant
of love to a thousand generations of those who
love Him and keep His commands.

"If you have the love of Jesus Christ in your life,
you have everything! If you don't have that love,
it doesn't matter what else you have."

Thank You For Your Unconditional Love

As I stand here and look down upon your grave... you lying so still...so silent...tired and all spent of your share of life
that used to surround you...of love for people around you.
I have admired your strength,
you stood strong when it was so much easier to give in.
You were there to celebrate the joyous times our family saw..
You went a million miles out of your way
to make rainbows out of rainy days...
You had a unique way of transforming life's difficult moments...
into love's greatest memories.
As I bend to kiss you this one last 'goodbye'...wishing with all my heart that from behind those closed eyes,
your soul is able to feel the words sent from my heart to you,
which now can only be expressed by my crying thoughts,
wrapped in every teardrop.
The gratitude and thanks for the unconditional forever kind of love you have showered upon me at all times, never asking anything in return, in spite of the heartbreak and pain
I may have caused you...
God be my witness as He watches from above,
I may never ever find...Your kind of love...

Index	Ten	Twenty	Thirty
One	Eleven	Twenty-One	Remembering One
Two	Twelve	Twenty-Two	Remembering Two
Three	Thirteen	Twenty-Three	Remembering Three
Four	Fourteen	Twenty-Four	Animals One
Five	Fifteen	Twenty-Five	Animals Two
Six	Sixteen	Twenty-Six	Animals Three
Seven	Seventeen	Twenty-Seven	Heroes
Eight	Eighteen	Twenty-Eight	Holidays
Nine	Nineteen	Twenty-Nine

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	The Christians with Chronic Illness/Pain Site Ring
	This site is owned and maintained by Bunny