For Jojo

A Child Loaned

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

"for you to love the whole while she lives.

It may be six or seven years or twenty-two or three,

but will you, till I call her back, take care of her for me?"

"She'll bring her charm 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 help you learn."

"I've looked this wide world over

in my search for teachers true,

and from the things that crowd life's lane

I have selected you."

"Now will you give her all your love

nor think the labor vain,

Nor hate me when I come to call

and take her back again?"

"I fancied that I heard them say

'Dear Lord, Thy will be done,

for all the joy the child shall bring

the risk of grief we'll 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 for her

much sooner than we planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes

and try to understand.'"

- adapted from Edgar Guest

This is for Jojo, a blogging friend of mine whose daughter Kristin's battle with her severe brain injuries ended yesterday. Please keep Jojo's family in your thoughts and prayers.