How Long?

~A tribute for beloved Gracie and her beautiful family~

            How can we know just how long each life on earth should be

We know it would last forever if left to you and me

            Each day so filled with blessings we hoped would never end

When things like this just happen, is Jesus still our friend?

            We pray and try to figure out just where did things go wrong

When life so soon is ended though mercy was our song

            We prayed that God would spare her life, our Gracie please don’t take

If only we can keep her, we’d all earthly goods forsake

            Then we heard sweet Mother Mary speak a message to our heart

Your God and Jesus love you- their compassion here impart

            They’d never take your baby and they want you each to know

They see your hearts are breaking as little Gracie had to go

            Her journey was a brief one in this sojourn known as life

Now I want to speak my promise, help to heal your pain and strife

            Gracie’s now with me forever, she’s fulfilled her earthly task

Someday you’ll see the beauty, when time lifts its veil and mask

            I’ve promised “all things work for good”- someday you’ll clearly see

My love for you and Gracie through all eternity

            I watched the way you cared for her- your tender loving way

No family could have given more throughout each night and day

            Now your Angel watches over you – In heaven I’ve made her whole

The dawn will come –Joy will return, My peace will fill your soul

            Written the evening before Gracie’s journey to heaven….as I reflected on the

depth of love and beauty of spirit I observed as Lisianna and Marty sat at the

bedside of their precious little daughter.

 by Julee Goodman

April 20, 2008