This poem was the first one read at Sue's service. It is one that was carried in my moms wallet for years, and I also carried a copy for years. Heaven's Very Special Child A meeting was held quite far from Earth: "It's time again for another birth." Said the Angels to the Lord Above, "This special child will need much love." Her progress may seem very slow, Accomplishments she may not show And she'll require extra care From the folks she meets down there. She may not run, laugh or play Her thoughts may seem quite far away: In many ways, she won’t adapt And she'll be known as handicapped. So let's be careful where she's sent We want her life to be content. Please, Lord, find the parents who Will do a special job for you. They will not realize right away The leading role they're asked to play But with this child sent from above Comes a stronger faith and richer love. And soon they'll know the privilege given In caring for this Gift from Heaven. Their precious charge, so meek and mild Is Heaven's Very Special Child. This poem appeared on the back of Susan's memorial cards. It was so perfect for telling those that are left behind what we need to do. Safely Home I am home in Heaven, dear ones; Oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light. All the pain and grief is over, Every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last. Did you wonder I so calmly Trod the valley of the shade? Oh! but Jesus' love illuminated Every dark and fearful glade. And He came Himself to meet me In that way so hard to tread; And with Jesus' arm to lean on, Could I have one doubt or dread? Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still: Try to look beyond earth's shadows, Pray to trust our Father's Will. There is work still waiting for you, So you must not idly stand; Do it now, while life remaineth- You shall rest in Jesus' land. When that work is all completed, He will gently call you Home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh, the joy to see you come! This poem was also read at Sue's service. It reminds us that God only lends us our time here. Parents never expect to have to bury their child. When that has happened, this is a nice reminder to not forget God To All Parents Written By: Edgar A. Guest (from "All In a Lifetime"--Copyright, 1938) "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's dead, It may be six or seven years, or forty-two or three, But will you, till I call her back, take care of her 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 my 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 to 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 than we've planned, We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand." Back to Sue's Site