He has been gone longer than he lived. One
moment he was here, the next his life taken away by a
speeding semi truck whose driver didn't see the small white
pickup truck. God was merciful. God didn't let him suffer.
Kenneth meant the world to dad, brother, family, friends, and
me. He loved life and was very active. He always lent a
helping hand to anyone that needed him, was very well liked
by everyone. He found happiness wherever he was, and in
whatever he was doing. Kenneth was very devoted to God, his
family, friends, and his church.
The tragedy happened on Feb. 25, 1982.
Kenneth was supposed to go to the Casa Grande, AZ, High
School Drama Rehearsal that afternoon. He came to our place
of business, and asked if there was anything he could do,
before going to the rehearsal. His dad told him he had
intended for him to drive some merchandise to our Mesa Store,
but it could wait until the next day. Ken said it was all
right if he missed rehearsal, that was going to be a short
rehearsal, and he could go the next day. When we got a call
that he hadn't made it to the store, Truman took off as fast
as he could. He said he knew something had to be wrong. We
must have asked the question a million times; How could this
possibly happen? He loved driving, and was a very careful
driver. He always fastened his seat belt, adjusted the seat
and mirror, before starting the motor. We felt comfortable in
his going, as he had so much in the past.
He was young, healthy and a wonderful boy. He
was in the Casa Grande Union High School Drama Class, the
boy's choir and also in the Southern Baptist Church choir. He
was to graduate from High School in June and was planning to
attend USA the following term. His funeral had more people
attend than I had ever seen before. The High School principal
had dismissed anyone that knew him and wanted to attend. He
and some teachers also attended. I will never understand why
it happen, unless God just wanted him more.
June 26th would have been his birthday, and I
can't keep from wondering: Had he lived, what would he be
like? Where would he be, and what would he be doing today? He
brought so much joy and happiness to everyone while he was on
this earth that the loving memories of him, and his life will
linger on in all of our hearts forever. He always wanted to
be a Gospel singer, and one thing I do know, And that is:
today - he is in Heaven singing to God with the angels.
BORROWED GEMS
"I'll lend you for a little time a child
of mine. "He said, "for you to love while he lives
and mourn for when he's dead: It may be five or seven years
or twenty-two or three, but will you, 'til I call him back,
take care of him for me? He'll bring his charm to gladden
you, and shall 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 the wide world over in
my search for teachers true, and from the throng that crowds
life's lanes, I have selected you. Now, will you give him all
your love, nor think the labor vain, nor hate me when I call
for him to take him back again?"
"I fancied that I heard you say, 'Dear
Lord, Thine will be done, for all the joy thy 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'd planned, we'll
brave the bitter grief that comes, and by grace
understand."
~Edgar Guest~
If I Knew
If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.
If I knew it would be the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.
If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word
so I could play them back day after day.
If I knew it would be the last time
I could spare an extra minute,
to stop and say "I LOVE YOU"
instead of assuming you knew it.
If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.
For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.
There will always be another day
to say "I love you",
And certainly there's another chance
to say, "anything I can do?"
But just in case I might be wrong
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.
So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day.
That you didn't take extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.
So hold your loved ones close today
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear.
Take time to say "I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank You," or
"It's OK"
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.
~Author Unknown to me~
I have seen this poem by 2 authors
and some as unknown
When I find the correct author,
I will give him/her credit .
