1979-2003

This poem was sent to us when our son died 3 years ago.  I love this poem and read it everyday.  It reminds me that God can call us back anytime and that no matter what happens we will make it through.  Nic was loved by us very much, missed by us even more.   We love you Nic and miss you.  Mom and Dad

ALL IN A LIFETIME

By Edgar A. Guest

“I’ll lend you a little time

A child of mine,” He said

“For you to love the while he lives

And mourn for when he’s dead. 

It may be six or seven years,

Or twenty-two or three

But will you, till I call him back,

Take care of him for me?

He’ll bring his charms to gladden you

And shall his stay be brief,

You’ll have the lovely memories

As solace for your grief.

I cannot promise you he will stay,

Since all from earth return,

But there are lessons taught down there

I want this child to learn.

I’ve looked the wide world over,

In search for teachers true,

And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes

I have selected you.

Now will you give him all your love,

Nor think the labor vain,

Nor hate me when I come to call

To take him home again?”

I fancied that I heard them say

“Dear Lord, thy will be done,

For all the joy the child shall bring,

This risk of grief we’ll run.

We’ll shelter him with tenderness,

We’ll love him while we may,

And for happiness we’ve known,

Forever grateful stay;

But shall the angels call for him

Much sooner then we’ve planned

We’ll have the bitter grief that comes

And try to understand.”