Another Touching Student Poem

Dear Mrs. Thomas,

When I heard about Christi I was so shocked I couldn't think about anything else. I had a free period that day and I wrote this poem. I never thought of a name for it. Maybe you can. I hope it can show you that others feel the loss and your feelings are shared by all. Hopefully, it can express some of your pain as well.

Your Faithful Student,
J.


Be still my child and slumber,
Awaken nevermore
You may have lost your battle
But we all know you won your war.

You’re in God’ s hands now
Calm and joy upon your face,
Down here on earth we’ll think of you
And marvel at your grace.

You fought this battle long and hard
Until the bitter end
It took its toll on you each day,
God’s creatures now you tend.

You watch us now from up above
And keep us in your sight
You hold a bond with all of us
And help us do what’s right.

You lived each day in happiness
A smile upon your face
You left us far too soon young one,
And left memories in your place.

Now in heaven God will tell you
What you ought to be
Maybe you’ll be a guardian angel
Maybe just for me.

Written by J. S.

A Year Ago: Kay & Christi after painting ceramics at Kaylyn's Grandma's pottery shop. Christi had a wonderful day with Kaylyn and painted "Buckeye" on a bowl. Buckeye continues to drink from that bowl daily, despite the presence of her former own and bowl maker. One day during the summer Christi told me that her biggest fear was Buttercup dying because she is so old. (Buttercup turned four in July.) I wonder if Christi was just as worried about her own possible death. It's one of the things I can no longer ask and I will never know.

I've heard from a couple of moms of Christi's friends in recent days and learned that their daughters have been to see the movie "Bridge to Terabithia" and it's been very sad, but good for conversation. While it's been many years since I read Katherine Paterson's book, I just started re-reading it last week. I must stop reading it now as it's no longer enjoyable, but perhaps one day I will be ready to continue reading. A humorous "grief" book that I'm currently in the midst of is "Good Grief". Unlike the many self-help / cope books I've been reading since September, this one is a novel and I'm actually laughing as I apply it to my own situation. If anyone is in my shoes and interested, the author is Lolly Winston.