Friday, February 25, 2011

A Child Loaned

This is a poem is found in the prologue to the book

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: A Guide for Parents

I'll lend you for a little time

a child of mine," He said,

"for you to love the whole while he lives.

It may be 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 charm 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 want this child to learn."

"I've looked this wide world over

in my search for teachers true,

and from the things that crowd life's lane

I have selected you."

"Now will you give him all your love

nor think the labor vain,

Nor hate me when I come to call

and take him back again?"

"I fancied that I heard them say

'Dear Lord, Thy will be done,

for all the joy the 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

much sooner than we planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes

and try to understand.'"

*Edgar Guest

4 comments:

  1. What a beautiful poem! As I sit here and the tears fall, for you, your family, and sweet Travis, I am saying prayers that you all may have the strength needed during this time. Thank you for sharing Travis's amazing life story with us.

    Amanda (Heart Mom to Cuyler)

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  2. So beautiful and as I write I'm weeping for you all, and Nicole and Roger, though I don't know you personally, just though Karen Sue, I know this poem is so sad but true. I know you were the 'chosen' parents for Travis, he received all the love and care and more that any child could ever receive. I know how much he loved you, I can see it in his eyes and in his sweet and happy smile, that he was so blessed to have you in his life and him in yours.
    Bless you for being the wonderful parents and family you all are.. I'm just so overwhelmed with sadness that he got called up so early...
    God bless you all...
    Leesa

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  3. Thank you for sharing that poem. I have been meaning to get that book and haven't yet. I am so sorry about Travis. I have been praying for you and your family now for quite a while. God Bless Travis.

    Jessica Makuh (Heart Mom to Lauren)

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  4. So beautiful. It's difficult to think that our children could be taken from us so soon. It's unthinkable and I grieve for you as well. Heart Hugs.
    Kathy (mom to John- HLHS)

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