HOW HARD IT IS:

             How hard it is to contemplate
             A life alone - without my mate
             This one who's shared their life with me
             But now, I know this cannot be ----

             For time has passed and things have changed
             Nothing has remained the same ----
             My heart is tied to them, you see
             They will always be a part of me ---

             I look into such vacant eyes --
             They truly do not recognize
             My face, nor any others who
             Remotely loved them, as I do ---

             My heart breaks a million times
             Illusive hope - no peace of mind -
             I cannot bear what I must endure
             Letting go of one whose love was sure ----

             Yet, I am aware 'tis not their choice
             They had no thought - they had no voice
             This disease robbed them, as it did me
             Now all that's left is for them to be free ---

             I cry out to God so often now
             I try so hard to not ask WHY or HOW
             But it's so difficult, this life I lead
             Without my loved one beside me -----

             How hard it is, to face ahead
             To boldly walk, without fear or dread
             I hold to God, hoping He understands
             Oh, how I miss the touch of their hand!!

             The soft glow of recognition
             Has left their face - This situation
             Cost them their rights to comprehend
             A love, a life, a foe, a friend ---

             All that which lies behind is gone
             What lies ahead is far beyond
             That which I can grasp or know
             Their life is slipping away...and so

             I try to freeze my memories
             Those moments are indelibly
             Etched within my mind and heart
             I pray to God to bring a brand new start

             To all which I cannot understand
             I ask 'God, please, reach out Your hand
             Comfort me, as I comfort them ----
             And when it's time, return to HIM'.......

c2000 Dorothy Womack
**Written for all the 'phantom' widows on PASSAGE

ALTHOUGH YOU REMAIN:

             Although you remain, while I must move on
             Think of me fondly - when at last, I am gone
             Remember the days when we laughed, full of glee
             Dwell on good times that we shared - you and me -

             For I will remember, with clarity, sure
             I'll see and hear everything - All will be pure
             Glory will surround me, as I watch over you
             You'll be in my thoughts - whatever you do

             Wherever you go - what choices you make -
             I'll be beside you, in the steps which you take
             And, after a time, we will join once again ---
             God's Promise endures ---
             Even when I move on -- and --
             Although you remain.........

             c2000 Dorothy Womack

I WISH FOR YOU:

             I wish for you, the sunshine
             When the rain is falling on your head ---
             I wish for you great blessings
             Rather than the hurts you find instead

             I wish for you, abundance
             In all that touches you ----
             I wish for you, true beauty
             Found in everything you do

             And in all which you have given
             To create a better 'ME'.....
             I wish for you - Your heart's desires -
             That God would grant them ALL - You see

             Your influence has mattered
             Which is all we have to give ----
             I wish for you, sparkling rainbows
             Which prove that He still lives ---

             Should life bring any heartaches
             Or pain knock on your door ---
             Remember, Christ is watching
             That's what HE came here for

             And in years to come, find peace
             Within your soul and mind ---
             I wish for you, God's treasures
             His Eternity, to find -----

             I wish for you, contentment
             Truth and prosperity ---
             These things I wish, and pray for you
             For all you've given me......

             c2000 Dorothy Womack
             **Written for Brenda Race

Margaret Massey
Gail Mitchell
Dorothy Womack
Katherine Dorn Zotovich