To The Vander Haves on Their Loss

When one we love has "passed away"
        And our Blue skies are turned to gray
                Here are the words I want to say
Hold tightly to God's nail scarred hand.
*
For you will miss her, it is so
        As through your life you must go
                It is always good to know
That she is in a better land.

Long ago, when I some comfort sought
        Trying to do just what I "ought"
                As against my tears I fought,
There came this teacher friend of mine.
Although he was so very much older
        He put his hand upon my sholder
                What he said has made me bolder
They were his father's rhyme.

He said, "Death doeth hide but not divide
        Thou art but on Christ's other side
Thou art with Christ and Christ with me
        And so united still are we!"

May these words help you find
        What you long for--peace of mind
                And may all your friends be kind
As they share you grief.
And may the God of all comfort give
        You a special reason now to live
                And the ability to just forgive,
Thus finding God's relief.

ghvs, May 9, 1999