Tribute to Harvey 

I sit here quietly holding his hand

Just waiting and praying

How vividly I can recall those words--

“Till death us do part.”

A vow, a promise before God.

I looked into that happy face

Those sparkling blue eyes

and squeezed his hand

and said those words—promising.

Oh, so far in the future

But, the future is here now-- today? 

Tomorrow? Next week? 

I always said “We would go together.”

I was afraid he would not know the way 

and I would have to direct him.

You know how reluctant men are to stop

to ask for directions. 

Now, I must commit him to a Guardian Angel

who will lead the way. 

He was a gift to me from God--

an answer to my prayer.

How can I now not see that he is

safely returned tenfold,

better, brighter, happier, holier

and more precious than when I received him. 

For he, too, made me a better person 

for having known and loved him. 

There is no more waiting—It is the end game.

He was only on loan to me and now I must give him back. 

The days have been beautiful—sunny, bright, and shining.

A gentle breeze stirs the flag

Leaves are starting to fall

As one leaf quietly slips from the tree of life. 

He awakened one night and clearly declared

“I'm ready to go home.”

The next morning he asked,

“Am I going to make it?”

Yes, Harvey, you will make it!

An angel will guide you 

for you are going home.

“This is the day the Lord has made

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

In the words of Simeon

“Now, Lord, you may dismiss your servant.”

I commit his spirit into Your hands, O Lord, 

Joan Lacombe

Rest in Peace Harvey LJClark