The Gift of You

Photo by Timo Volz on Unsplash

Recently, some very close friends of ours said goodbye to their little boy who battled medical challenges for many years. The life of a special needs parent is never easy, but saying goodbye must be the most difficult part of all. Last night as I pondered ways to help them through this tough time, I felt the urge to write a poem in honor of their son. In the end, it feels more like I am only a messenger, as God and their little angel provided the words and I simply wrote them down.

Below is the poem, and if you know of someone it might also comfort, please feel free to share this with them.

The Gift of You

When we were told of the coming of you,

we thought that our lives must surely be through.

The doctors forewarned of great suffering and pain,

“say goodbye now”, was their strong expert claim.

Letting you go was the smart thing to do,

because life would be difficult caring for you.

But you stole all our hearts, right from the start,

and we promised no suffering would keep us apart.

On the day you arrived we undoubtedly knew,

that life would be different and centered on you.

Through many long nights by your hospital bed,

 we prayed and we watched and we kissed your sweet head.

Against all the odds you learned and you grew,

and you did so much more than they thought you would do.

But the pain and the suffering were so often there,

and seeing you cry was a burden to bear.

In the midst of that suffering you showed us your smile,

always reminding that life was worthwhile.

You taught us about the true meaning of love,

and there is no doubt you were sent from above.

You’ve changed us forever and helped us to see,

that living for others beats living for me.

Now that your gone and we must live apart,

we find ourselves lost trying to heal our hearts.

But just like you taught us when you were here,

we continue the journey without any fear.

For the love that you shared on each special day,

will continue to guide us and show us the way.

So, while we once thought that our life was through,

in truth, it began on the day we met you.