Tuesday, January 6, 2009

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

We have a good friend with Lu Garrett's Disease & got a call on New years eve. that his wife Amy had passed away. She was only 50 years old & had a bad stroke last year. I was just at there house two weeks ago & she seemed to be getting better.
We will miss you Amy
This is a poem her aunt recited at her funeral today. I think it is beautiful.
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me:
I wish you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things,
We didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too:
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand.
And said my place was ready,
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
The good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
That this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
Would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me
From his great golden thrown,
He said, "this is eternity.
And all I've promised you.
Today your life on Earth is past,
But here life starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last,
And since each day's the same way
There's no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful,
So trusting and so true.
Though there were times
You did some things
You knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
And now at last you're free.
So won't you come and take my hand
And share my life with me?"
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart.

5 comments:

Shelby said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. That is a beautiful poem.

Twisted Fencepost said...

I am so sorry!
We had a close friend die recently, too.
That poem is beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes.

Paula said...

What an absolutely beautiful poem and so fitting. I have tears for Amy also, but mostly for John. My prayers are going up for the grief I know he must be feeling now and prayers that he gets the care he needs.
I hope you're doing okay this afternoon. I love you, my sister!

Mary said...

Stacey,

My sincere condolences. The poem is very beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

Blessings,
Mary

PS. I hope you love reading the Christmas Bus.

Susan said...

It has been so many years since I have seen John and Amy, they are still healthy and strong to me. It is hard to picture them being in poor health as they are still relatively young people. I am so glad they had each other for the time they did, even though it seems unfair they didn't get just a bit longer. My tears and prayers also are for John as Amy's spirit is freed of the body that limited her. I will pray for strength for my long-ago friend, John, who I remember laughing and dancing until he was completely breathless. Only then would he stop for a short break. I pray that persistent spirit help John through this time of heart-wrenching grief.