Chase Gabriel Strader

Chase Gabriel Strader
Born January 18, 2010
Passed away January 18, 2010
United States

"I'll lend you for a little time
a child of mine" He said,
"for you to love
the whole while he lives"

He may be six or seven years
or twenty-two or three,
but will you till I call him back
take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charm 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 return
but there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to 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 him all your love
not through 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 the 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 have known
forever grateful stay.

But should the angels call for him
much sooner than we planned
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand.

~ Anonymous