As we begin this Memorial Day Weekend - remembering those who are no longer with us, irregardless of their age or circumstances of how they left this world - is a national tradition. For those of us who are parents, who have lost precious children, we obviously don't need a certain day to this, we do it each and every day...   But as you remember - I hope that this poem will help to remind you that they are safe and we are so blessed to have them in our lives... Love and hugs to you and yours on this Memorial Day Weekend from our family to yours... Cherie Houston 

Parents

~ By Edgar A. Guest

"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 is dead.

It may be six or seven years,
Or twenty two or fifty three;
But will you, 'til 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 loving 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 all the throngs that crowd
Life's lanes I've selected you.

Now will you give him all your love,
Not 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 should the angels call for him

Sooner than we've planned

We'll brave the bitter grief

That comes and try to understand."