bestofwordsremembering03.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: "Softly As I Leave You" by Brenda Lee

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.

BACKWARD, turn backward, O time, in your flight,
Make me a child again just for to-night!
Mother, come back from the echoless shore,
Take me again to your heart as of yore.
Kiss from my forehead the furrows of care,
Smooth the few silver threads out of my hair.
Over my slumbers your loving watch keep,
Rock me to sleep, mother.......rock me to sleep!

Backward, flow backward, O tide of the years!
I am so weary of toil and of tears.
Toil without recompense, tears all in vain,
Take them, and give me my childhood again!
I have grown weary of dust and decay,
Weary of flinging my soul-wealth away.
Weary of sowing for others to reap,
Rock me to sleep, mother.......rock me to sleep!

Tired of the hollow, the base, the untrue,
Mother, O mother, my heart calls for you!
Many a summer the grass has grown green,
Blossomed and faded, our faces between.
Yet, with strong yearning and passionate pain,
Long I tonight for your presence again.
Come from the silence so long and so deep,
Rock me to sleep, mother.......rock me to sleep!

Over my heart, in the days that are flown,
No love like mother-love ever has shone.
No other worship abides and endures,
Faithful, unselfish, and patient like yours.
None like a mother can charm away pain,
From the sick soul and the world-weary brain.
Slumber's soft calms o'er my heavy lids creep,
Rock me to sleep, mother.......rock me to sleep!

Come, let your brown hair, just lighted with gold,
Fall on your shoulders again as of old.
Let it drop over my forehead to-night,
Shading my faint eyes away from the light.
For with its sunny-edged shadows once more,
Haply will throng the sweet visions of yore.
Lovingly, softly, its bright billows sweep,
Rock me to sleep, mother.......rock me to sleep!

Mother, dear mother, the years have been long,
Since I last listened your lullaby song.
Sing, then, and unto my soul it shall seem,
Womanhood's years have been only a dream.
Clasped to your heart in a loving embrace,
With your light lashes just sweeping my face.
Never hereafter to wake or to weep.
Rock me to sleep, mother.......rock me to sleep!

Elizabeth (Akers) Allen. 1832–1911

From Birth to Birth

Do you remember?
It wasn't so long ago when the doctor told you I was growing inside of you.
Do you remember the joy? The wonder you felt? I do.
I was so excited to be making my journey into your world.
I chose you, you know. Of all of the parents in the world, I chose you.

It was quite miraculous really, for both of us.

Do you remember the first time I moved inside your womb?
Do you remember my first kick? My first hiccup? I remember, too.
You were so happy and full of joy. You sang to me and I heard.
You talked to me and I listened. When you moved,
I rocked gently inside of you and it was so comfortable.
You carried around my picture and showed it to all of your friends,
even though it didn't look much like a child, but more like a tadpole.
Still, you shared your joy with those around you.

Do you remember the day I was born?
Yes, how could you forget? Birth really is a miracle, you know.
He allows us to enter this world through our earthly parents,
and brings us from the darkness of the womb into the light of our parents love.

He told me it would be difficult.
He said life on earth is hard and filled with both joy and tears.
He was right. Of course, He always is.
For He created this great world and all that is in it.

Do you remember how you felt when I was born?
Did you grieve? Did you mourn?
No, you were filled with abundant joy!
You didn't grieve for an empty womb.
You didn't mourn at the loss of the tiny child inside of you.
Instead, you rejoiced that the child you carried in your womb,
you would now carry in your arms.

Do you remember how many times you held my hand?
I certainly do. You held my hand the first day you took me to church
and I was afraid for you to leave me in my class alone.
You held my hand when you walked me to the bus to go to school.
I was afraid then, too. Your hands were so safe and strong when
I was insecure and afraid.
I will always remember the comfort there - in your hands.

You held my hand when I was sick,
and the doctor told us I would not get well.
There was so much love in your hands,
but I could see the pain in your face.

Life, no matter how long, always seems to be too short.
You cry, "Why now?"
But I must ask, when would be a better time for you to say goodbye to me?
Next year? In twenty more years?
No, there is never a good time to lose someone you love.
But time is only in your world, not in His.

You must remember this, for this is the Truth.
Do not grieve now for your empty arms,
as you did not grieve for your empty womb.
I am not dead. I was born into your world, and you held my hand.
Now I've been born into my Father's world, where He holds my hand.

I am always with you.
I see you when you cry and wish I could hold your hand
and provide you with the same comfort you've given me.
I wish I could wipe away your tears.
Remember that grief is a natural part of this earthly world,
but you must not let it control you.
There are many joys ahead. He has told me so.
Then, the day will come when you will be reborn also,
and He will welcome you with His open, loving arms.

Until then, He will hold your hand
and walk you through each of the difficult days ahead.
Lean on Him when you are afraid or when
your grief threatens to overpower you.
Let Him guide your footsteps as you so many times guided mine.

Be comforted in the knowledge that my love didn't die when I left you.
It lives throughout all eternity

Copyright 2001, Ferna Lary Mills

"He Only Took My Hand"

Last night while I was trying to sleep;
My son’s voice I did hear.
I opened my eyes and looked around
But he did not appear.
He said, “Mom you’ve got to listen,
You’ve got to understand,
God didn’t take me from you, Mom,
He only took my hand.
When I called out in pain that night,
The instant that I died,
He reached down and took my hand,
And pulled me to His side.
He pulled me up and saved me
From the misery and pain.
My body was hurt so badly inside,
I could never be the same.
My search is really over now,
I’ve found happiness within.
All the answers to my empty dreams
and all that might have been.
I love you so and miss you so,
And I’ll always be nearby.
My body’s gone forever,
But my spirit will never die!
And so, you must go on now,
Live one day at a time.
Just understand-
God did not take me from you,
He only took my hand.”

As I was driving to work the other day I got to thinking about
Easter and what the true meaning is all about.
It is about how Christ died for us so that we might live
and learn the lessons that He and The Apostles
taught so many years ago.
These lessons are known as The Bible;
you might call it their diaries.

I also got to thinking about my Dad
as I often do around this time of year.
It has been almost five years since we lost him to cancer.
He and Mom taught all five of us kids
many things and today, thanks to them,
we are strong adults able to deal with anything that
life throws at us.
I have continued to learn from my Dad
even though he is no longer with us.
I used to fear death and the unknown aspects of death.
I have always believed in God and Jesus,
again thanks to my upbringing,
but I was afraid of the unknown - the things
that we truly know nothing about.
However, I no longer fear death as I once did;
I now just want to live long enough,
if its God's will, to raise my family.
I have become very introspective about a lot of things
since my Dad's passing.
I have come to realize there is no reason to fear death
for God and Jesus have promised that once we
accept them that there will always
be a home for us with them.
I know within my heart that when my time comes
that not only will I get to see God and Jesus,
but I will also be reunited with my Dad who,
when he passed from this world to heaven,
became healthy again and free of the cancer that claimed his life.
I am happy for my Father in that he has now gotten
to know the sister he never knew
in this life as she died at a young age.
Not only will I get to see Dad again, but I will
get to meet his parents that none of us knew;
and I will also get to meet the aunt I never knew.
I will also be reunited with my Mom's parents that
I did get to know in this life.
I can think of no greater gift that anyone has ever given me
than the one that is promised to me, and others,
by Christ's death, and the rising from that death,
to join His Father in heaven.
Something else that I honestly believe in is that
when we pass from this life to the next
that whatever illness has plagued our bodies is gone
and we are blessed with good health once again.
So in thinking about the meaning of Easter
I thought about my Dad and how his passing
brought me to know what lies ahead for me someday.
And that is being reunited not only with
family but also with God and Jesus.
Thank you Daddy; I love you and will see you again someday.

Love, Your Daughter, Colleen

The Key of Faith

I hold
By God's grace
A key of faith
That opens every door of blessing.
There is no power
No principality
Strong enough
To take it from me
Or forbid my passing.
I walk
Confident
And strong
Knowing that should I need something
That appears shut away from me
I need only touch my treasure
Against the lock
And all barriers will vanish
That I may clasp my shining dreams.
And all this wonder
Will freely be mine
As long as I
Believe enough
To reach out
And claim.

Ray McAllister (4 July 2001)

But I keep right on praying to You,
Lord, hoping this is the time You will show me favor.
In Your unfailing love,
O God, answer my prayer with Your sure salvation.
Patience, Lord, teach me patience.

Psalm 69:13 (nlt)

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.

Friend, please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see
I'm right by your side each night and day
And within your heart I long to stay.
My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
As long as you keep me alive in your heart.
I'll never wander out of your sight
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.
I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.
When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
You can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.
I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, friend, I'm everyplace!

Love Birds"

"Love Birds" we were our time has come and went
they all say, for sure I didn't have a hint
You were my right hand the sunshine in my life
you have "left our land" God Bless, I your wife
Oh the memories you gave I will hold so dear
without you, how will I behave? I loved you so, it is clear
What will I do without you? the sun has dimmed
I feel so blue will my heart mend?
Now, my sweet I'll try, not to be blue
until again, we meet my love for you, how true
I lay you to rest too, too soon
my friend, I loved best they've stopped, playing our tune

The Dress

Do you like my dress? she asked of a passing stranger.
My mommy made it just for me, she said with a tear in her eye.
Well, I think it's very pretty, so tell me little one,
why are you crying?
With a quiver in her voice the little girl answered.
After Mommy made me this dress, she had to go away.
Well, now, said the lady, with a little girl like you waiting for her,
I'm sure she'll be right back.

No ma'am, you don't understand, said the child through her tears,
my Daddy said that she's up in heaven now with
Grandfather and Grandmother.
Finally the woman realized what the child meant,
and why she was crying.
Kneeling down she gently cradled the child in her
arms and together they cried for the mommy that was gone.
Then suddenly the little girl did something that the
woman thought was a bit strange.
She stopped crying stepped back from the woman and began to sing.
She sang so softly that it was almost a whisper.
It was the sweetest sound the woman had ever heard,
almost like the song of a very small bird.
After the child stopped singing she explained to the lady,
My mommy used to sing that song to me before she
went away, and she made me promise to sing it
whenever I started crying and it would make me stop.
See, she exclaimed, it did, and now my eyes are dry!
As the woman turned to go, the little girl grabbed her sleeve,
Lady, can you stay just a minute? I want to show you something.
Of course, she answered, what do you want me to see?
Pointing to a spot on her dress, she said,
right here is where my Mommy kissed my dress, and here,
pointing to another spot, and here is another kiss, and here, and here.
Mommy said that she put all those kisses on my dress so
that I would have her kisses for every boo-boo that made me cry.
Then the lady realized that she wasn't just looking at a dress,
no, she was looking at a Mother who knew that she was
going away and would not be there to kiss away the hurts
that she knew her daughter would get.
So she took all the loves she had for her beautiful little
girl and put them into this dress, that her child now so proudly wore.
She no longer saw a little girl in a simple dress,
she saw a child wrapped in her Mother's Love.
Our loved ones are always with us.

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

Mothers Never Die

When we are children, we are happy and gay
And our mother is young and she laughs as we play,
Then as we grow up, she teaches us truth
And lay's life's foundation in the days of our youth ---
And then it is time for us to leave home
But her teachings go with us wherever we roam,
For all that she taught us and all that we did
When we were so often just such a "bad, little kid"
We will often remember and then realize
That mothers are special and wonderfully wise...
And as she grows older, we look back with love
Knowing that Mothers are gifts from above.
And when she goes home to receive her reward
She will dwell in God's Kingdom and "Keep house for the Lord"
Where she'll "light up" the stars that shine through the night
And keep all the moonbeams "sparkling and bright"
And then with the dawn she'll put the darkness away
As she scours the sun to new brilliance each day...
So dry tears of sorrow, for Mother's don't die --
They just move in with God and "keep house in the sky"
And there in God's Kingdom, mothers watch from above
To welcome the children with undying love!

A Woman With Alzheimer's

She sits alone in her little room,
stares out the window, and watches the
world outside.
She used to be a part of that busy little universe,
but that seems like another lifetime ago.
In that other lifetime, she used to be
Queen of the scene, but now she is
just another number.
Her hopes and dreams were to change
the world and to make a better place of it.
Now she watches the world,
detached from it, afraid of the dangers
around every corner.
She just can't seem to think of her name
right now, or which shoe goes on
which foot, but that's ok,
the girls in white will be coming around
soon to remind her.
Perhaps I will make the one with the curly hair
my daughter again today....
She likes the one with the curly hair,
because she always puts her
hair in pretty ribbons like she wore
when she was young and beautiful.
Perhaps the one with the curly hair will
dress me in my favorite red dress, so that
I can be Queen of the Scene once again.

Laura Josselyn © 1989

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

I call home and a recording says
that the number is no longer in service.
I want to know your at home and everything is all right,
but it's not.
I'm empty, hollow, depressed.
You were our home,
You were the family,
You were Christmas,
You kept us together.
We've all flown apart.
Time as they say does not heal all wounds.

A Message From Heaven

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

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

Never believe you are alone, for you are not.
Never believe there is nothing after death, for there is.
Never believe you are not loved, for you are.
Without these beliefs life is empty, and without
these beliefs there is no hope.
(Luke 1:45 - Blessed are you who believed.)

"But why must they have to deal with THAT?"
"Because that is the master plan. It will help them to
grow and develop."

"But I love them so. I hate to see the frustration and
pain they are going through. For goodness sake, I diapered
her and raised her from her first day on Earth. I nursed her
through chicken pox, measles, her first date. I made her
dress for her Senior Prom...She was so lovely. And no mother
could have wanted a finer daughter. Why must she now learn
to hate and despise me for what I have become?"

"Don't worry, dear. It isn't as bad as all that. There is
a much bigger picture here. Think about it, and the truth of
it will be given to you."

She remained silent for a moment and just stood with Him,
marveling at the scene before her. He waited patiently
beside her, unhurried, letting her grasp the situation as
best she could.

She watched the empty shell that had held her for a
lifetime. It was old and wrinkled. The years showed with
every movement. She was surprised that there was any life
left in the old shell at all, for precious little of what
she had become had been allowed to remain behind.

They watched again in silence as the daughter brought a
simple cup of water to the old shell of a woman and helped
her to drink. It went well, slowly at first, as the
tentative daughter searched for the correct flow rate
to prevent choking. Afterward, the daughter saw a brief
glint of recognition...just for a moment, but it was
enough. She hugged the old lady, not really comfortable
doing it, but not resisting the urge as she usually did.
Then she returned to the kitchen and dropped into a chair at
the family table. She looked so tired. She ached in every
muscle. Her eyes were tired from lack of sleep. Her nerves
were frazzled from another long night of vigilance.

"It is hard, my dear, but she will grow from it. She will
not only become a better person, but her marriage will be
strengthened, the children will see her care for you and
their respect for her will grow in a very special way. It
may be hard to see at first, but it is an opportunity that
few receive. The entire family will grow closer and learn to
deal with even greater obstacles as a result of this time
spent in caring for your temple."

"I think I am beginning to understand. Now I know what
you meant about a greater curtain lifting as that one fell.
I think I am ready."

She took one last look at her daughter, and blew her a
silent kiss, before turning away and walking on to her next
horizon with her guardian angel at her side. She WAS ready,
and she knew her daughter was ready, too.

I go to sleep at night thinking of your face
One that I'll never forget; one that I store in my heart;
Absorbed in love and grace

Sometimes I cry at night when we can't be together
I wish I had you here, now at my side
You're on my mind in every type of weather
But, being away from you is the pain
that won't to defeat me inside

Without you, it seems like eternity
How long must this pain remain in my heart?
All I know is someday, we'll be together, you and me
When not even death can break the
love we have for each other apart

I think about the times we've had together
And those that are yet to come
When the time arrives, I'll know it's here
By the feeling of the pain being gone

Even though it's hard sometimes, my heart can wait
For this bond that will unite us two
There's only three more words to say
Just so you know, I love you.

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

I'm Still Here

Please don't mourn for me
I'm still here, though you don't see.
I'm right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.
My body is gone but I'm always near.
I'm everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.
I'll never wander out of your sight,
I'm the brightest star on a summer night.
I'll never be beyond your reach,
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.
I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.
I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.
When you start thinking there's no one to love you,
you can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees
and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.
I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.
Just look for me, I'm everyplace!

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

An old woman sits by her window,
Looking through panes filled with years;
Of memories and times that cannot be erased
By the slow falling cascade of tears.
She sees through her window small happy faces,
Of children at work and a play;
She sees herself cooking, preparing the meal
She'll serve at the ending of day.
She thinks of her husband and daughter so dear,
Who went from her life years before;
And she thinks of her family and neighbors she's known,
Who will enter her home no more.
She looks through her window pane into the past,
And her mind is comfortable there;
With her thoughts and memories of days gone by;
For the future is empty and bare.
An old woman dreams as she rocks in her chair;
While her gray head holds memories so clear;
And the days slip away into years of remembrance,
Of things she holds sacred and dear.

To Grandmother With Love

I had an angel here beside me,
Sent to Earth to help and guide me,
An angel always there for me
Because she loved and cared for me.
She did the things that angels should:
She taught me what was bad and good,
She gave me hope when no one cared,
She held my hand when I was scared,
She cheered me up when I was down
She could make a smile from a frown,
She doctored me when I was sick,
And many another angel trick.
Today my angel earned her wings,
Her halo, harp and other things.
But today I'm lost and all alone
For today God called my angel home.

Author: David Pawson

Daddy's Pink Rose

Her hair was up in a pony tail, her favorite dress tied with a bow.
Today was Daddy's Day at school, and she couldn't wait to go.
But her mommy tried to tell her, that she probably should stay home.
Why the kids might not understand, if she went to school alone.
But she was not afraid; she knew just what to say.
What to tell her classmates of why he wasn't there today.
But still her mother worried, for her to face this day alone.
And that was why once again, she tried to keep her daughter home.
But the little girl went to school, eager to tell them all.
About a dad she never sees, a dad who never calls.
There were daddies along the wall in back, for everyone to meet
Children squirming impatiently, anxious in their seats.
One by one the teacher called, a student from the class.
To introduce their daddy, as seconds slowly passed.
At last the teacher called her name, every child turned to stare.
Each of them was searching, for a man who wasn't there.
"Where's her daddy at?" she heard a boy call out.
"She probably doesn't have one," another student dared to shout.
And from somewhere near the back, she heard a daddy say,
"Looks like another deadbeat dad, too busy to waste his day."
The words did not offend her, as she smiled up at her Mom.
And looked back at her teacher, who told her to go on.
And with hands behind her back, slowly she began to speak.
And out from the mouth of a child, came words incredibly unique.
"My Daddy couldn't be here, because he lives so far away.
But I know he wishes he could be, since this is such a special day.
And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know.
All about my daddy, and how much he loves me so.
He loved to tell me stories, he taught me to ride my bike.
He surprised me with pink roses, and taught me to fly a kite.
We used to share fudge sundaes, and ice cream in a cone.
And though you cannot see him, I'm not standing here alone.
'Cause my daddy's always with me, even though we are apart
I know because he told me, he'll forever be in my heart"
With that, her little hand reached up, and lay across her chest.
Feeling her own heartbeat, beneath her favorite dress.
And from somewhere in the crowd of dads, her mother stood in tears.
Proudly watching her daughter, who was wise beyond her years.
For she stood up for the love of a man not in her life.
Doing what was best for her, doing what was right.
And when she dropped her hand back down, staring straight into the crowd.
She finished with a voice so soft, but its message clear and loud.
"I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star.
And if he could, he'd be here, but heaven's just too far.
You see he was a fireman and died just this past year
When airplanes hit the towers and taught Americans to fear.
But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away."
And then she closed her eyes, and saw him there that day.
And to her mother's amazement, she witnessed with surprise.
A room full of daddies and children, all starting to close their eyes.
Who knows what they saw before them, who knows what they felt inside.
Perhaps for merely a second, they saw him at her side.
"I know you're with me Daddy," to the silence she called out.
And what happened next made believers, of those once filled with doubt.
Not one in that room could explain it, for each of their eyes had been
closed.
But there on the desk beside her, was a fragrant long-stemmed pink rose.
And a child was blessed, if only for a moment,
by the love of her shining bright star.
And given the gift of believing, that heaven is never too far
I know those of us who's dad have gone on to Heaven do feel their presence
when we really need them close, or even when we see a beautiful sunrise or
sunset

We Shall Meet Again

If I should leave this world
Without a warning,
And not even whisper a fond farewell,
Grieve not for one more message
From the lips that God has stilled.

But just remember me with love
And prayers for my soul's journey
To that fair land beyond life's tears.
For I have believed with all my heart
In its existence, and I know that
God is good, for He has come to me
Through the life of Him whose very
Garment I have sought to touch

It may be lonely, and I hope you miss me
Just a little, because I have loved so deeply.
Forgive me if I have ever hurt you
And remember me for what I longed to be.
Have faith that I am nearer than
Your dreams and fondest longings.

For the God of love shall keep all
Kindred spirits close together,
Though the misty vale between
This world and that to come
Keeps us from each other's sight
For a few precious moments.

Whisper softly that you love me
And it shall linger on within my soul
Until you come.
Say not good-bye,
For on some bright tomorrow
We shall meet again.

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

The Very First Thing

The very first thing I think of
as my eyes meet the morning light,
are the dreams that kept me restless
as I tossed and turned all night.
My heart is beating slower now
as memories begins to fade,
and I pray that I stop thinking
about dreams that were once made.
Trying to face just one more day
knowing you are no longer here,
as tears now take me by surprise
bringing back my very worst fear.
No one could have ever told me
that one day I would be all alone,
but here I am and so sad to be
discovering life here on my own.
The very first thing I think of
as I close my eyes to sleep,
is the love remaining my heart
and once again I begin to weep.

Almost Home

If we travel East, or if we travel West,
no matter where we roam,
Oh! How sweet it is, to turn around,
and know we're almost Home.

As we search the world for its beauty,
whether it be land or foam,
The most beautiful part of our journey,
is the time we're "almost Home."

As we struggle in life for incentive,
and try to reach for the dome,
How great it is to know we have tried,
and know we're almost Home.

My footprints will soon be over,
that are made in clay or in loam.
"Please Lord, deliver a message...
Tell my Mother, "I'm almost Home."

Howard McDowell

Up Above

He's soaring, he's free, he has no pain,
He's crossed over to the heavenly plain,
His soul can travel in the purest air
Where love exists and he has no cares,
His Spirit and Soul are free to fly
With God's Angels and God, oh, so high,
A soaring Spirit with no earthly chains,
He has gone Home, to Heaven from where he came,
He's soaring, he's free, he lives with pure love
In God's tender care, up above.

The Forgotten One

Mommy, I'm the one you left behind
The one you thought would ruin your life
I only wanted to see your face, know and love you
And didn't mean to cause you any strife

I look down from Heaven now
And I can see you smile
I see you holding and kissing
Another baby all the while

I looked down Easter morning
And I saw the pretty colored eggs
I saw my brother and sister playing
Did you miss your forgotten one at play?

I saw my brother in his little suit
With the pretty blue bow-tie
He looks a lot like I would look
If you hadn't made me die

When you teach them fairy tales
And teach them how to sing
Do you think of your forgotten child
The one with angel wings?

Yes, mommy, I am still a soul
Just not on earth you see
My soul is back in Heaven
And I'm playing at Jesus' knee

By: Jene Lind......April 2, 2002

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

Look for me in springtime as raindrops fill the air...
In the splendor of the rainbow, you'll find my presence there.

You will find me in the fragrance of April's sweet perfume;
Drifting through the clover, on a sultry day in June.

An August day will find me upon the summer breeze...
On the distant sound of the thunder, in the gently swaying trees.

In the golden fields of harvest, is where I can be found;
As autumn time approaches and leaves comes tumbling down.

In the wintertime when days are short and chill is in the air...
Just look into a moonlit night, you'll find me lingering there.

When the setting sun has gone away and shadows fill the night;
When the cloak of darkness lifts its veil, I'll be your morning light.

So when you feel discouraged, get on your knees and pray;
You'll feel me there beside you ... I'm just a breath away.

Marilyn Ferguson

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

Now A Rose Blooms

She gave you life and loved you, cradled you soft in her arms,
Gently kissed away each teardrop, led you through heart's hurts and harms,
She taught you from the Bible, and at night, while you slept, she prayed,
That God would ever guide your steps, into His arms, unafraid,
Her kitchen was your haven, for there were born the smells of home,
'Tis there your memories linger, however far you may roam,
She was your precious angel, shared every dream, doubt, and fear,
She helped you become who you are, as quickly passed childhood's year,
Now you've laid her to rest, bid sad farewell, your dearest friend,
For as there is a beginning, so must there be an end,
Weep not o'er long her passing, for whispers each breeze that blows,
She budded in earth's garden, but in God's, now blooms a rose.

Author........Jerry D. Babb- 1998

Ashley's Garden

"Mommy would you be sad if I died?"
Disturbing words quickly tumbled from the mouth
of 4 year old Ashley, taking her mother,
Kathleen Treanor, by surprise.
"Of course, I would, Ashley. I'd miss you terribly."
"But, don't be sad Mommy.
I'd be an angel in heaven, watching over you."
With a wink and a promise to stay close by her side,
childish giggles filled the air.
Yes, everything was back on key, with no more talk
of 4 year olds going to heaven before their time.
A few days later, Kathleen brought Ashley to
Grandma LaRue's house. Grandma was a wonderful sitter,
whose home overflowed with love, comfort and joy.
Without a doubt, crafts and homemade cookies
would soon be on their way.
After tenderly kissing Ashley goodbye,
Kathleen jumped in her car and hurried off to work.
She'd hardly arrived, and settled comfortably in her chair,
with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee,
when she heard it. A huge blast rocked Oklahoma City,
and just as quickly, destroyed her world.
Confused and unsure of what happened,
a co-worker flipped on the television.
They stood in reverent shock as the news began to unfold.
There'd been an enormous explosion at the Murrah
Federal Building. Kathleen could hardly believe her eyes.
"Not in my hometown," she thought.
"Not here!" Soon, young mothers were running back
and forth in a frantic search for their children.
Kathleen was horrified to discover there'd been a
daycare center in the building.
"My God, the children," she thought,
as she began to pray for the desperate families.
Within moments, her sister called with unimaginable news,
unraveling the last shred of Kathleen's protective shroud of peace.
Luther and LaRue Treanor had taken Ashley to their
appointment with the Social Security office --
which was inside the Murrah building.

Suddenly, the room began to spin.
Surreal humming sounds filled Kathleen's ears.
Ashley was in that devastated structure, the one she was
watching on the news! It took days to discover
their complete loss. But slowly, the details came forth.
Her mother and father in-law, along with Ashley,
were found among the dead.
Kathleen immediately slipped into a deep, dark, depression,
not able to comprehend how evil minds could change the
destiny of so many innocent souls.
But months later, Kathleen recalled a prayer she'd uttered
just days before the bombing, pleading with God for
a message of hope to share with a hurting world.
Then her mind raced to Ashley's words just before
the explosion -- "Don't be sad if I die.
I'll be an angel in heaven watching over you."
Suddenly, Kathleen realized she was being prepared
for a mission far beyond her understanding...
In gratitude for the peace only God offers,
she planted a memorial for her daughter.
Today, Ashley's Garden is adorned with a graceful
weeping willow, a fountain, and an abundance of lively,
brilliant flowers. For all who see it, the message is clear:

Life goes on. Joy follows sorrow.
Light rises from darkness.
Through 5 years of journals, and endless prayers,
Kathleen's dream to see her daughter's legacy
shared within the pages of the book,
Ashley's Garden, have finally come to pass,
and her prayer for a healing ministry has reached far
beyond her dreams.

When Kathleen awoke on the morning of
September 11th, along with the rest of the world,
she froze in disbelief. America had, once again,
been struck by the evil of terrorism.
In that moment, she knew, her words of hope,
and healing, would reach far
beyond the borders of Oklahoma.
They would now take her to New York City.
So, along with survivors, and victim's families,
she boarded a plane and flew towards her destiny.
It was there she saw the ultimate fulfillment of prayer,
as she escorted grieving individuals, one by one,
to Ground Zero, as they began the long, but vital,
process of healing.
By meeting their fellow Oklahomans,
the people of New York were able to see first hand,
that time, and faith, heals all wounds.
No one knows what the future holds.
But for now, Kathleen's on a mission,
reaching out to the hurting,
the wounded, and to all who grieve,
with an inspiring message of hope, born of prayer.
And back in Oklahoma,
Ashley's garden still blooms.

Candy Chand

Until Another Time

  The circle has been broken
  One of us has gone
  The sorrow is great but we know we must carry on
  We are here again for a task still yet to complete
    We know deep in our hearts though he's gone once again we will meet
   And now we the chosen few must continue this path we follow
   Facing what lies ahead with each new tomorrow
   The truth and answers we seek are still far off
   But we know we'll find them no matter what the cost
   For all those who have gone before us and those we leave behind
   We will be united again in another place another time

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

I ran across a book one day at a flea market seller's stall.
I said, "What do you want for this?" He sighed, "Fifty cents is all."
It looked quite old and dirty but some recipes looked good.
I put it on my nightstand I would read it when I could.
That night I wiped the cover and took a peek inside.
I found more than some recipes, this was a sweet surprise
The well-worn pages told me about this woman's life.
Each family member's favorites were marked and noted twice.
Her first pot roast was stringy she noted with shaky hand.
Her new husband had eaten it but said it was so bland!
Favorite cakes were circled there, sometimes there was a smudge.
"This is Jimmy's favorite" had a trace of chocolate fudge!
Through the angel cakes and fritters I saw a pattern form.
Notes were made throughout this book so tattered, and so worn.
Old coupons were still in the back, I found a pocket there.
And in the very bottom a dry rose, a lock of hair.
Bits of poems and sage advice were scribbled through the book.
She took me through her life and past I learned more than what to cook.
I think what bothered me the most was the inscription in the front.
"I give this book to my daughter Jen, I hope it helps you some."
I wonder why the book was there obviously cast aside.
It represented a mother's heart all the love she held inside.
From baby food and funeral pie my eyes were close to sleep.
I smiled and thought, "Don't worry Mom" Your treasure I will keep.
Next morning I wrapped the book in tissue, clean and white
I look forward to my visits there each and every night.
I knew I'd found some memories worth more than purest gold.
I think I'll try the chicken soup that cured Aunt Mabel's cold.

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