Poem
All heaven was in mourning,
The day that young man died;
When He closed His eyes, they said,
Ten thousand angels cried.
The angels shed their many tears,
Because He was God’s Son;
But there is a special sadness,
When God takes the very young.
At times like that, I question God,
Why let a child die?
I cannot understand it,
And I need to ask Him why.
I, too, have heard the angels cry,
I’ve heard them cry first hand;
For I, too, gave up a child,
And I’ve tried hard to understand.
Yes, I received God’s comfort,
Though I’m grateful, I want more;
I want reasons; I want meaning,
I am a parent who’s heart-sore.
God can give, and God can take,
I am well aware of this;
But, why my baby … why my child?
Why did God put him on His list?
Did I love my child too much?
Was he too good for this old earth?
Had his purpose here been filled?
Was that why he was taken first?
I awake each day with questions,
I fall asleep at night, the same;
So many times I ask God why,
I’m both saddened and ashamed.
But then, in reflective moments,
When my prayers are most intense,
One word keeps going through my mind,
Patience … patience … patience.
Maybe now is not the time,
To explain this great heartache;
Even if I knew God’s reasons,
What difference would it make?
Can’t I just be grateful,
For any time we had?
Accept God’s action without question?
Why is that so very bad?
What’s my hurry … why my pressure?
Is my faith not strong enough?
God will explain it when He’s ready,
Surely I can trust that much.
God understands my broken heart,
He, too, gave up a Son;
He knows the pain of one lost child,
He weeps with me, and we are one.
Just as I talk to God each day,
I talk to my precious child;
I blow him kisses, and I say,
“See you, honey, in a while.”
5 Responses to “Poem”
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About Tommy
On July 29, 2009, Tommy Botell was killed by a rock retaining wall that collapsed while hiking with his family at Lassen Volcanic National Forest.
Tommy's sister Katrina, was seriously injured and suffered numerous facial fractures.
Tommy was a dedicated scout, a fan of Indiana Jones, a budding adventurer and a beloved son and brother.
Tommy died in the loving arms of his mother. He was 9 years old.
This site is dedicated to his memory and keeping that memory alive.
Our hearts and prayers go out to your family for your loss.
The story touched all of us deeply, Tommy will be missed.
Dear Tommy, I remember the time you, Dad, Mom, Brit, and Katrina visited me in England and we had dinner at Manor Farm. Aunt Lisa, uncle Rob and cousin Allister were there too. You had such fun playing amongst all the balls that you could sink into, and going down the slide into them all. Everytime I drive by there I think of you and am left with such happy memories. We also got to visit Warwick Castle and the Safari Park. I remember the giraffe with the sloppy tongue putting it’s head in the car window for some banana. It was such a laugh. Tommy, you will be remembered always with such love. Grandma Barbara.
This is a beautiful poem, and so well done.
great poem it was very touching.
That poem was so beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes. I will show it to a friend of mine who also lost a 2 year old son a few years back to try to bring her some comfort as well. I was visiting Lassen Park that same day with my family and we are saddened by your loss. God bless your faimily.