navwin » Main Forums » Spiritual Journeys #2 » Heaven's Gift
Spiritual Journeys #2
Post A Reply Post New Topic Heaven's Gift Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
Lighthousebob
Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725
California

0 posted 2005-08-07 10:33 PM



This poem was written for my first grandchild, Cole Owen Lewis, who was born on June
18th 2005 and lived but a short time on this earth until he passed from this life to the next
on August 6th 2005 where he now lives with our Heavenly Father and with our other
much loved friends and family who have gone on before. Since his life was so very short
lived, I am so thankful that I was able to spend what seems like such a short week with
him now looking back in retrospect. Without regret, I can say without any doubt
whatsoever that Cole, our perfect gift from God, was richly loved and he is dearly missed.

Heaven's Gift



A castle up in heaven stood
for all that was both pure and good
and from that castle, sent below,
a baby came whom we loved so.
We celebrated, laughed for joy,
and thanked you, God, for our new boy;
We thanked you when he slept.
We thanked you when he cried.
We thanked you when we held him close
and even when he died.
For unto us, you gave a gift,
a gift much like a dove
who flew down form your castle, Lord,
and filled our hearts with love.

Love,
Grandpa





© Copyright 2005 Robert E. Michaud Jr. - All Rights Reserved
jjote
Senior Member
since 2002-12-25
Posts 1088
Ontario, Canada
1 posted 2005-08-08 04:45 AM


lovely and tender memorial, Bob.
The Lord giveth and He taketh, in both, we say blessed be His name!

saved_by_grace
Member
since 2005-01-08
Posts 332
In the arms of God...
2 posted 2005-08-08 09:25 AM


Oh, Bob, this is sooo beautiful!     Praying for you and your family in your sorrow, but also rejoicing with you that your little grandson is with our Father!     God bless, m'friend!!  ~  Becka


Mysteria
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
3 posted 2005-08-08 12:58 PM


I send my sincerest condolences for the loss you must all be feeling.  You and I both know that God is the only one with the answers Bob, and I am sure the plans for this wee man are good ones.  I send blessings to you all in your family.  A beautiful tribute to a wee soul held but for a moment, to be  remembered a lifetime.
suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
4 posted 2005-08-08 01:08 PM


I am so sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful tribute to your grandson and the love he brought to all of you. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
5 posted 2005-08-08 01:16 PM


I'm sorry for you loss, Bob....The beauty you found in your time with him is a blessing to remember for many years to come....and therefore, a gift, rather than a loss.  
Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
6 posted 2005-08-08 01:22 PM


Bob, I am so terribly sorry for the loss of Cole, your first grandchild.
When we hurt, sometimes our most sacred tears stay hidden
and the heart cannot express all the pain that it feels inside.
I know the words said to us often pale in the shadow of grief...
still I want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
May you, and the family, be comforted with the belief that each time we remember,
we meet again with those we love, for the heart never forgets.
God Bless.
Nancy

sandgrain
Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662
Sycamore, IL, USA
7 posted 2005-08-08 03:25 PM


Your piece sure tugged all my heartstrings, Bob.  I'm sorry for the aching hearts of this infant's family and prayerfully ask our Lord to help them through their grieving process.  Sometimes it's so very difficult to see the good in such a brief life.  As time passes, the joy you've already found will soothe the loss wounds.

God bless you and yours,
    Rae

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
8 posted 2005-08-08 04:21 PM



Bob, only when we touch
the face of a miracle...
can we know He exists...
and in His love, we are
all One Family.

My prayers to you,
and yours.

littlewing
Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655
New York
9 posted 2005-08-08 10:35 PM


Bob:

he had a most amazing teacher . . .
or maybe a most amazing student.

*grin*

God Bless the both of you and your family.

I tell my son every day that he is MY angel.

because he is . . .

*smile*

Lighthousebob
Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725
California
10 posted 2005-08-08 10:51 PM


jjote,

Thank you for your kind reply and yes I do give God praise in all things and even in these times of great personal loss do I praise him for his ways are perfect as I have come to realize with even more certainty that his knowledge and his understanding is far far above my own.

-Bob

Joyce Johnson
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912
Washington State
11 posted 2005-08-08 11:29 PM


Dear Bob.  This is a beautiful tribute.  I know how your heart is aching and you have my sympathy and prayers.  His life was short but so completely filled with love that it was truly blessed.  Love, Joyce
Lighthousebob
Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725
California
12 posted 2005-08-08 11:39 PM


saved_by_grace,

Thank you for your prayers and especially for praying for my daughter Jennifer. I have come to terms in my own spirit that Cole's life was to be for a short time here on earth and I'm glad that my other daughter, Andrea, and I had the opportunity to fly to Oklahoma City from California to spend a week with him before he passed on to be with our Father in Heaven. As my poem expresses, Cole really did touch our hearts during the short stay that we had with him here on earth and now I can trulysay that I am a grandfather. (Smiles) Thank you very much for your prayers and for your rejoicing God with me.  -Bob

Lighthousebob
Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725
California
13 posted 2005-08-08 11:55 PM


Mysteria,

In my spirit, I am satisfied that Cole lived fully the life that God intended for him to live, but even so, I am still deeply touched by the acts of compassion that are expressed by others, such as those being expressed here. I was brought to tears by your reply that Cole was "a wee soul held but for a moment, to be  remembered a lifetime..." And, my dear Christian friend, I shout with agreement in my spirit.... "Yes! He Lived! He Lives and He will be dearly dearly remembered! Thank you. Thank you.  -Bob

Lighthousebob
Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725
California
14 posted 2005-08-09 12:08 PM


suthern,

Thank you for your kind reply. Considering loss; I do think that the one thing that I  regret the most is that Cole was not given more time... but it does make the time that we did have with him so very much more special and memorial. He was a beautiful little boy. Thanks again for your love and for your much appreciated expressions of sympathy. God bless. -Bob

Lighthousebob
Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725
California
15 posted 2005-08-09 12:29 PM


Martie,

Yes, Dear, You got it right! Cole was a beautiful beautiful miracle from God and I should and shall never think of him or the time that we shared together as a loss. I gained so very very much by having had him and the experience of him in my life. Thank you for reemphasizing this as this was the very thought that brought me out of sorrow into rejoicing his most beautiful beautiful little life. God bless. -Bob

Lighthousebob
Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725
California
16 posted 2005-08-09 01:13 AM


Enchantress,

Thank you. Your words are very tender and heart reaching and you are correct that the tears, for the most part, remain hidden but on occasion do come to surface.  I have found a song by Natalie Grant called "Held" that has been of great release for me as it draws me to tears to think of my daughter's great loss and to a belief that my daughter is being held in God's arms.  Thank you for comforting us with your words that "each time we remember, we meet again with those we love."  This is beautiful and so very reassuring to me as my two daughters and I were able to spend some time with Cole, though short, and developed, I'm certain, some cherished and much valued memories. Thank you, again, my poet friend, for your  kind thoughts and words. God bless. -Bob

Lighthousebob
Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725
California
17 posted 2005-08-09 02:13 AM


sandgrain,

I have the utmost respect for you, my friend, and I know that I have found a kindred spirit here because your heartstrings were being pulled. You've been here already and you made it through and you are an encouragement to me as well as others that we can definitely make it through also. Thank you for desiring that the soothing ointment that heals the broken hearted be extended to others and I join you in your prayer and I do ask that the same healing that you felt would be experienced by my daughter, Jennifer, and by all who have suffered loss in their lives. Thank you for your prayer, thank you for being you, and thank you for your encouragement. -Bob

Lighthousebob
Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725
California
18 posted 2005-08-09 02:41 AM


Sunshine,

Nicely expressed. I agree, there is nothing quite as miraculous as the presence of a newborn and having touched the face of Cole I know this to be true... I have, I have touched the face of a miracle and I do feel the unity of family here and elsewhere as God's love is ever strong and ever present and ever expressed. It's mind boggling. It truly is. Thank you. Thank you for your prayers and for making me feel even more a part. -Bob

Lighthousebob
Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725
California
19 posted 2005-08-09 03:07 AM


littlewing,

(Smiles) It's real nice to hear from you again... and, yes, he is, I'm sure, your very very precious and much loved angel and may it always be so. Amen. God bless. -Bob

Lighthousebob
Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725
California
20 posted 2005-08-09 03:32 AM


Joyce Johnson,

I know that you understand the aching as well as anyone could and it blesses me to have your prayers going up not only for my behalf but also for my daughter, Jennifer. I can only imagine what she must be going through. The news was devastating and I did question why did he have to die at such a young age, but I do believe it is true what you have written that "his life was short but so completely filled with love that it was truly blessed" and who could ever hope for more than that in this lifetime. Amen. Thank you for sharing. -Bob

Larry C
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286
United States
21 posted 2005-08-09 09:03 PM


Every moment is a blessing. I am so sad they can only be counted in days. I am unable to imagine your loss but think I might understand your pain. I pray you find, courage, wisdom and peace to share with your family. You are an inspiration here as well.

If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.

Paul Wilson
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2002-07-07
Posts 4711
United States
22 posted 2005-08-10 02:55 AM


Bob...It takes a special person too look past the hurt and unanswered questions as you have and it is a testimate to your faith in God. May all your memories be kind ones...Paul

~~To share my poems with you is to share my heart with you~~
Paul

iliana
Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434
USA
23 posted 2005-08-10 11:54 PM


What a beautiful poem, Bob.  I am so sorry for your family's loss.   ....jo
littlewing
Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655
New York
24 posted 2005-08-11 09:20 AM


is nice to see you too Bob, wishing under different circumstances.  But as I was reading, you know, and I have no personal experience regarding your matter, but I have always believed that children who spend such a short time with us are the most intelligent, advanced spirits because they only needed a short time to do what they needed, to learn some lesson or to provide someone with love.  They chose this, no matter how awful it is, but by that choosing it shows US just how their wings gleam and their spirit radiates now - knowing they have completed what they were sent here to do.  

And that reason behind such tragedy is fruitless, as you know, but take to mind the difference that child has made in so many lives and THAT is where you see his purpose here.

Sending my heart . . .  

Lighthousebob
Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725
California
25 posted 2005-08-11 01:19 PM



quote:
"I am unable to imagine your loss but think I might understand your pain."


Larry C,

Much wisdom is found in your words and I appreciate each one shared. Thank you. I do believe that you indeed understand my "pain" as my reaching out and my heart goes especially out to my daughter, Jennifer. I do hope and pray that I can indeed be all the "courage, wisdom and peace" of which you have mentioned here to her and my family. Thank you, again, for your many kind words of encouragement.  -Bob

Lighthousebob
Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725
California
26 posted 2005-08-11 01:42 PM


Paul Wilson,

(Smiles) For certain, the memories that I have of my experience with my grandson Cole have all been very kind ones and I do so thank you for that thought. Thank you for your commendation also. Thinking about what you have written though; I do think that the one testament of my faith that stands out above the rest perhaps is this... that in my time of weakness, God was very very gracious to help me in finding strength. I appreciate your words very much. Thank you. -Bob

Lighthousebob
Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725
California
27 posted 2005-08-11 01:49 PM


iliana,

I am happy that you enjoyed the poem and I thank you very much for your hugs and for your warm condolences. They are all much appreciated. God bless. -Bob

Lighthousebob
Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725
California
28 posted 2005-08-11 03:34 PM


littlewing,

Welcome back. (Smiles) I'm soooo glad that you came back to expound a bit and to give a voice, as it were, to the innocent and most heavenly divine children and I do so think, as you expressed, that, though Cole was given but a short time to be with us, he did "complete what he was sent here to do."  He shared with us unconditional love and he also reunited "family" in ways that we will probably never fully comprehend. I do appreciate your view into the "spirit world" as it is very comforting to imagine Cole in a glorified state with gleaming wings and a radiant spirit. Thank you for sharing and God bless you my friend. -Bob


Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Main Forums » Spiritual Journeys #2 » Heaven's Gift

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary