Dearest Eileen

Yes, I could have made it without you 
But I’m glad I didn’t have to 
You were there for me. 
Walking right beside me some days 
Somedays walking behind me - pushing 
Me to keep going 
And sometimes walking in front - showing 
Me the way to go. 

The days when I couldn’t think pass one 
Hour, you thought for me 
I could always count on you to have the 
Answers to the questions that I didn’t even know
to ask - the questions that overwhelmed me
You looked after me with loving care 
Sometimes like a mother that cares for her child,
Sometimes like a sister with much needed advice, 
But always as a friend. 

But the times I loved the most are the ones 
When we didn’t follow the rules, when we did 
What we felt and not what was expected 
That sense of wonder, of adventure, that awareness 
Of not taking everything so seriously 

We shared music - from Alicia Keys to Bach, 
to Bob Marley to Andrea Bocelli.
You even got me to listen and appreciate bagpipes!

We shared books and food and hopes and dreams
You wanted to be an artist, me a writer,
and Yes, I could have made it without You as 
I know that God would have sent someone 
to help me but he knew I'd need someone extra 
special so he sent YOU!! 

Today, as I pulled up to that place of celebration 
Of a life well-lived, the sun was shining so brightly
After many days of rain and gloom. 
I marveled at the sight of what seemed to be 
glistening pearls dancing on the water and suddenly,
as if you knew I’d be there, I was greeted by 
A bagpipe player, the love and warmth of 
Your children, and so many whose lives you have 
Touched. Blessings upon blessings overflowing!

My heart is filled with gratitude. My mind drifts
back to that childhood prayer.....

"Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord 
my soul to keep. 
If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord 
my soul to take" 

“Return to your rest…….for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you” Matthew 11:29

And so it was…….