that was read at my cousins funeral when he passed away at 17 ...I thought it was very touching



"I'll lend you for a little time
A child of mine," He said,
"For you to love the while he lives
And mourn for when he is dead.
"It may be six or seven years,
Or twenty-two or three;
But will you, 'til 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 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
And 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 then we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand."


By: Edgar Guest

By Marcia on Monday, August 4, 2003 - 03:48 pm:

I have that poem on Tanner's website. It's beautiful.

By Semperspencer on Monday, August 4, 2003 - 08:49 pm:

I literally just broke down in tears. I've printed it out and will put it on my refrigerator to remind me to treasure every moment that I have with my children. Thank you.

By Hol on Monday, August 4, 2003 - 09:47 pm:

A lady from our church sent this poem to us when we lost Dan. It's beautiful, and puts things in perspective. We DO tend to think of our children as OURS.Marcia, what is the address for Tanner's website? Thanks.

By Marcia on Monday, August 4, 2003 - 10:32 pm:

This is our family site, and he has a page, as do all of the kiddos...

http://littlegirls.tripod.com/ourphotoalbum/index.html

By Semperspencer on Tuesday, August 5, 2003 - 01:15 am:

Marcia, your website is not showing up

By Kernkate on Tuesday, August 5, 2003 - 08:23 am:

I also tried it Marcia and this is the message I got Sorry, but the page or the file that you're looking for is not here...
I really think this poem puts things in perspective.

By Marcia on Tuesday, August 5, 2003 - 09:53 am:

Hmmm, try this...
http://fivegoofs.tripod.com

By Hol on Tuesday, August 5, 2003 - 10:32 pm:

Marcia..I'm still not having any luck bringing up your site. I get MSN, and an offer to purchase "Our Gang" DVD's or something.

By Semperspencer on Tuesday, August 5, 2003 - 11:26 pm:

Marcia, I got to see your website. Your family is so wonderful! And I'll say again...I'm so jealous...all girls! I have 3 boys..LOL

By Marcia on Tuesday, August 5, 2003 - 11:56 pm:

Holly, that one should work. Maybe if you click on my name, then on the link in my profile it will work??

By Marcia on Tuesday, August 5, 2003 - 11:57 pm:

Amy, thanks!! :o)