JUST FOR THIS DAY

Just for this morning, I am going to smile whenever I see your face and laugh when I feel like crying.

Just for this morning, I will let you wake up softly, all rumpled in your flannel and I will hold you until you are ready.

Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say you're beautiful.

Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I am going to eat a huge breakfast, with bacon, eggs, toast and waffles and you don't have to eat any.

Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that 100 piece puzzle together.

Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the garden blowing bubbles.

Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up or who you might have been before your diagnosis.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix things.

Just for this afternoon, I will let you put all kinds of barrettes in my hair, and put lipstick on my face, and I will tell you how pretty you have made me look.

Just for this afternoon, I will take you to McDonalds and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born, and how much we love you.

Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the bathtub and not get angry when you throw water over your sister's head.

Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch swing and count all the stars.

Just for this evening, I will bring you glasses of water and snuggle beside you for three hours and miss my favorite show on TV.

Just for this evening, when I kneel down to pray, I will simply be grateful for all that I have and not ask for anything, except

Just one more day.

Copyright © 1999 Sally Meyer

My Brother’s Fishing Pole

I saw my brother
Sitting by a lake so smooth and clear.
I saw the fishing pole in his hand.
I was reluctant to interfere.

But I yelled and waved.
He nodded and waved back.
I slowly walked across the field
Struggling to stay on track.

“Why are you here?” I asked.
“Are there not better things to do?”
“I need this rest,” he said.
“Before coming home for you.”

He looked so peaceful,
Calm and free from strife.
There had been few peaceful times
In his very troubled life.

I was so pleased to see
The gentle look upon his face,
The lines of fatigue and worry gone,
The glow of love was in their place.

I was so happy for him.
My joy he could easily see.
I had worried so about him
Now his pain had been set free....

And as I awoke from this sweet dream
With images still so clear,
I slowly realized that
My brother was not here.

Was it yesterday,
Or the day before?
I had attended his funeral.
He was alive no more.

But now I understand
What Heaven is about.
It’s a place that is free
From all earthly fear and doubt.

And now I truly know
My brother’s in a better place.
For God allowed me a glimpse
Of the peace upon his face.

by Sharon Tanner

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For my dearest friend, whose beloved brother died of leukemia two days ago, may you and your family find solace in the thought that Neil is now finally at peace.