For you to love while lives mourn for when she is dead.
It may be one day, weeks or years, twenty two or three,
But will you, 'til I call her home, take care of her for me?
She'll bring you charms to gladden you and should her stay be brief,
You'll have her lovely memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes I have selected you.
Now, will you give her all your love, not think the labour vain?
Nor hate me when I come to call and bring her home 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 her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may,
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay,
But should the Angels call her back much sooner than we planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.'
Author unknown
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want,
He maketh me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul.
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake. Even though I walk
Through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
Your rod and thy staff they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
In the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
All the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And He took the children in his arms, put his hands upon them and blessed them.
The 23rd Psalm and the reading above was read at Georgina's funeral on 23rd April 2002 at 1.30pm.
