A Child on Loan

Yesterday, my grandmother had this poem read at my uncle's funeral. This is a wonderful way to look at things and wanted to share with everyone.

A Child On Loan

I'll send you for a little time A Child of Mine,

He said For you to love the while he lives,

And mourn for when he's dead."
It may be one or seven years Or twenty-two and three,

But will you, till I call him back,

Take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you,

And should his stay be brief,

You'll have his lovely memories

As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay

Since all from earth returns.

But there are lessons taught down there

I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over

In search for teachers true

And from the throngs that crowd life's loves

I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love,

Not think the labor vain,

Nor hate me when I come to call

And take him back again?"
I fancied that I heard them say,

"Dear Lord, thy will be done

For all the joy Thy child shall bring

The risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness

We'll love him while we may

And for the happiness we've known

Forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for him

Much sooner than we'd planned

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes

And try to understand."
~ Unknown ~