MORE SPECIAL POEMS

HOPI PRAYER Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on the ripened grain. I am the gentle Autumn's rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift uplifting rush... Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry: I am not there, I did not die. (read by Darious' Gammie at his memorial service 6/9/01)

HEAVEN SENT & HEAVEN BOUND The pain we feel will not go away. For you have gone to Heaven today. Your Mom, your Dad and all the rest, are being put through the ultimate test. For you came from the Heavenly Father above. Mommy's "Little Angel", You were so filled with love. Darious Joshua, if we could only have known, The time with you was God's short term loan. We may have done things differently If into the future we were allowed to see. We search our hearts and ask God why He tookaway our sweet little Guy. On that one sweet day when we're all Heaven bound In Heaven twill be where the answers are found. You accomplished so much in your short time on earth, Smile, haircuts, giggles and a very quick birth! You never required a whole lot from us, You hardly cried or put up a fuss. We'll never forget you Sweet Little Boy, You entered our lives and brought us such joy. There is only one thing we really can see. You blessed us all, tremendously! Love~ Grandma and Grandpa Stevens Uncle Ronnie and Auntie Courtney (written 6/5/01~the night of Darious' angel day and read by his grandma at his memorial service 6/9/01)

GOD'S LENT CHILD I'll lend you for a little while a child of mine", God said.... "For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he's dead.  It may be one or two years or forty 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 can not promise he will stay, since ALL from earth return; But the lessons taught below I want this child to learn. I've looked the whole world over in search for teachers true; And from the things that crowd life's lane....I have chosen you.  Will you give him all your live, nor think the labor vain?  Nor hate me when I come to take this lent child back again?" I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done.  For joys Thy child will bring the risk of grief we'll run.  We will shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may; And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay.  But should Thy Angels call him much sooner than we've planned, We'll brave the grief that comes, and try to understand. Author: Mackenzie Yvonne Brycel (written for Michael by his sister)