(A poem written about my son Luke I read at his funeral Sept. 2018)
You came to this world in the early bright of day
Your innocence and love just swept me away
The day you arrived, life never was the same
My Silent Preacher
Your life started as all children's do
but soon we found there was much more to you
Your illness came forth before we even knew
My Silent Preacher
Skills slipped, words went away
Still you smiled and laughed the fear away
Your courage and hope helped give way to new day
My Silent Preacher
Your presence and grace shone through to others
From the ends of the earth, and even to your brother
Your influence and light gave way to new tomorrows
My Silent Preacher
Sometimes your humor was hard to keep sorted
Laughing at others pain made you seem a little distorted
No blame could be had after the sight of your smile
My Silent Preacher
You worked hard and saved many but you started to grow tired
God saw you like this and decided you could retire
"Come with me my sweet child, you can be with My Son."
My Silent Preacher
You went the very way that you came
Early in the day, your breaths short and spent
We watched the Lord take you, to heaven you went
My Silent Preacher
Where pain and suffering melt away at His Hands
Our tears were shed but in our hearts we were glad
For we heard His voice say "You've done well, My Fair Lad."
My Silent Preacher
The days after will be dim
stars won't twinkle like they did before
still your light illuminates through the sorrow
My Silent Preacher
Your body may have passed away
but your soul and message remain the same
to carry God's purpose no matter the condition
You've reached so many within the silence of your voice
Love, strength, and courage that testify of Jesus more than any teacher
You will now and forever be, My Silent Preacher.