I have thought about you alot since you lost Eric, and your latest posting
touched me deeply.
Below is a poem that was given to me twenty year ago - I hope you find some
comfort in the words.
Hugs Lois.

?I will lend you for a while a child of mine ? he said.
?For you to love the while he lives, and mourn for when he?s dead.
It maybe six or seven years, or twenty two or three, but will you, till 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 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 wish 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 labour vain,
Nor hate me when I call to take him back again?
I fancied that I heard you 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 the happiness we?ve known forever grateful stay.
And should the angels call for him, much sooner than we?ve planned.
We?ll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.