Remembering Nicholas

"I will lend you for a little time, a child of mine," He said

"For you to love the while he lives, and mourn for when he's dead.

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?

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 the wide world over in 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 labor vain,

Nor hate me when I come to take him back again?

I fancied that I heard them say, Dear Lord, Thy will be done.

For all the joys thy child shall bring the risk of griefs he'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've planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.

-Edna Guest

 Nicholas Dane Chandler

1990 - 1994