A PARENT'S PRAYER

Dear God,

You sent a child to me
To fill my life with joy,
And only You knew which was best --
A little girl or boy.

Somehow I took for granted, Lord,
That we would have a lifetime,
And I made so many future plans
For that precious child of mine.

Enchanted by that Miracle,
Caught up in each new day,
I guess I didn't hear You, Lord,
When You said, "This one can't stay."

I trust You, Lord.  Thy will; not mine,
Yet I can't understand
This sudden loss -- the emptiness --
Caused by another's hand.

I know my child's an angel now
But my heart is aching so.
I'm sorry I wasn't ready, Lord,
To let my baby go.

There wasn't time for one last hug;
There was no final kiss.
Oh God, it's all those special smiles
That I already miss.

So Lord, could you do just one thing
For me especially?
Please hold my angel close to You
And say goodbye for me.
                        Amen