The Promise

Your birth brought me starshine, the moon and the sun;
My wishes and dreams gathered around my little one.
My life became sacred, full of promise and light;
All wrapped in this child who brought me love at first sight.
The years of your living filled with laughter and tears;
Excitement, adventure and some fears.
But ended too quickly, ahead of its time;
The loss so horrendous, such heartache was mine.
But from the beginning, one thought rose so clear;
Never would your death erase the years that you were here.
I would not be defeated or diminished by your death;
I would hang on, learn to conquer, if it took my last breath.
For if your death destroyed by my life, it would make both our lives a waste;
It would deny your life's meaning and all the love you gave.
I vowed that years of sadness would change with work and grace;
To years of happiness, even joy, in which you'd have a place.
Memories of you, like shining stars in the patterns of my soul;
Are beacons flashing light and love them I am whole.
In your honor, I live my life, now living it for two.
And with this candle tonight, you lived, you live, you do.

Pennies From Heaven

I found a penny today

Just laying on the ground

But it’s not just a penny

This little coin I’ve found.

Found pennies come from Heaven

That’s what my Grandpa told me,

He said, “Angels toss them down.”

Oh, How I loved that story.

                He said, “When an angel misses you

They toss a penny down,

Sometimes to cheer you up

To make a smile out of your frown.”

                        So don’t pass by that penny

When you’re feeling blue,

It may be a penny from Heaven

That an Angel tossed to you.

                                In Memory of

Kayla Marie Joiner

May 29, 1991 – October 22, 2007