Child Loss Poem

I was given this poem at my Child Loss Support Group and wanted to share it with everyone. It was written by Edgar Guest. I hope that the poem brings you some comfort as it did for me.

I"ll lend you for a while a child of mine, " he says.
"For you to love the while she lives and mourn for when she's dead.
It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,
By will you, till I call her back, take care of her for me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and should her stay be brief,
You'll have her lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay; since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in My search for teacher true.
And from the throngs that crowd life's lance I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love, not think that labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call to take him back again?

I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear lord, Thy will be done!
For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may,
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay;
But should the angels call her much sooner than we've planned.
We'' brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.

Isabella, I know that God has lent you to me until he wanted you back. I just wish that we were give more time. I am grateful for every second that we shared.

Mommy