a poem of comfort

[katipug]

I know we are all struggling with the enormity of what has happened in CT. I am thinking of and praying for all of the precious victims and their families. I also am thinking of our vp players in CT. There is a poem called "A Child of Mine" by Edgar Guest you can access online that I have taken comfort in over the years since the passing of my own daughter. There is nothing on this earth that I know of that is worse than burying your child. I wanted to also take this time to wish all my friends on vp the best holiday you can have in light of the recent events in our country. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Hug your families a little tighter this year. I pray God leads us through this difficult time.   Peace to you all,   Kay West aka katipug

[Rayser]

Well said.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you also.

[marie meijer]

Beautiful post, Kati, and thank you for your sentiments! That poem is moving and well worth reading! Edgar A Guest was born in B'ham, England and moved to Detroit with his parents when about ten years of age. He died in 1959 at the age of 77 but his poetry lives on. We have several of his books that were in my parent's library. Memories! I am pleased that he is receiving national publicity through your forum post!

[YooperLinda]

Thank you Kati, for sharing this lovely poem with us.  Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas.

[YooperLinda]

Kati asked me to cut and paste this moving poem, so here goes. A Child Of Mine (To All Parents)
Edgar Guest

I will 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'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 should 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 labour vain.
Nor hate me when I come
To take him home again?
I fancied that I heard them say,
'Dear Lord, Thy will be done!'
For all the joys 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 should the angels call for him,
Much sooner than we've planned.
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
And try to understand.

From The Book LIVING THE YEARS 1949

[T T]

Thank You Kati for sharing this poem also. I would like to wish everyone A Merry Christmasand a Very Happy New Year.

[feline57]

Thank you Kati that was very thoughtful of you.  I live in Connecticut and Newtown is about 35 miles from me. I have been a resident of CT my whole life and I like many others could never have imagined something like that occuring here. I pray for all the families and first responders. Hopefully something positive will come out of this horrific event.