In Loving Memory Of
Our Dear Son John

Something will remind us
We never know just when,
It might be something someone says
And it all comes back again.

The times we spent together
The happiness, the fun,
Once again we feel the pain
Of life without you Son.

It’s said that time’s a healer
We are not sure this is true,
There’s not a day goes by Son
That we don’t cry for you.

A poem TO ALL PARENTS
who have lost children

“I’ll lend you for a little time, a child of mine”
he said, “For you to love him while he lives,

and mourn for when he's dead.

It may be one 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 his lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise 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 my search for teachers true,

And from the throngs that crown life's lanes,
I have selected you.

Now will you give him all your love, not think labour vain,

Nor hate me when I come to call to take him back again?"

I fancied that I heard them say,

"Dear Lord thy will be done,

For all the joy thy child shall bring the risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may,

And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay.

But shall the angels call for him much sooner than we've planned,

We'll brave the Bitter grief that comes and try to understand."