I received this and thought as the father of two daughters it was appropriate enough to post.
To all those who are parents they will understand. 12/12/08
So much has transpired
So much to reflect
She's lost her childhood
Though it's not done yet
I try to give
All a father can
She's growing so fast
I can only hope
When she changes, it'll last
This Christmas
Like every Christmas
Since she was born
I will pray and wish
Her dreams untorn
If I can help her
I will with my heart
She is my daughter
I'm her family
A part
That never dies
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile, knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind; I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free, remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
For all who Know Motorcycle Riders
I saw you hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line.
But you didn't see me put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.
I saw you pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk.
But you didn't see me playing Santa at the local mall.
I saw you change your mind about going into the restaurant.
But you didn't see me attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.
I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I drove by.
But you didn't see me driving behind you when you flicked your
cigarette butt out the car window.
I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children.
But you didn't see me when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.
I saw you stare at my long hair.
But you didn't see me and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.
I saw you roll your eyes at our leather coats and gloves.
But you didn't see me and my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those
that had none.
I saw you look in fright at my tattoos.
But you didn't see me cry as my children were born and have their name written over
and in my heart.
I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere.
But you didn't see me going home to be with my family.
I saw you complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be.
But you didn't see me when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.
I saw you yelling at your kids in the car.
But you didn't see me pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.
I saw you reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road.
But you didn't see me squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.
I saw you race down the road in the rain.
But you didn't see me get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.
I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time.
But you didn't see me trying to turn right
I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in.
But you didn't see me leave the road.
I saw you waiting impatiently for my friends to pass.
But you didn't see me. I wasn't there.
I saw you go home to your family.
But you didn't see me.
Because, I died that day you cut me off.
I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family.
Another Fallen Hero ~
Every night, my spouse and I watch the evening news. We stop what we are doing and watch in silence, as the names and faces of the fallen US soldiers are listed.
Many soldiers are so young like your sons and daughters.
Many are from cities we recognize.
When a soldier is from our hometown it brings home the reality of the war even more.
Even though we have no children in the military, I wanted to tell you and your family our deepest thoughts are with you.
My heart breaks as I sign another guestbook of such a courageous soldier who gave his life so selflessly. May he rest in peace knowing that he is loved and remembered by those who knew him. May you child rest in peace.
Bless this child and family who gave all and made the ultimate sacrifice. May God grant you peace, strength and comfort in such a difficult time. My prayers are with your family. May his family and friends cherish the good times and memories of a fine young person who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country.
