Christians Caring and Sharing

Can you believe it Wally, I walked in late!!

went the wrong direction on your funeral day

I've cried all the tears, I thought there was no more

but I was trembling just walking through the door

I felt lost and alone there was no place to stand

My husband had a firm grip on my hand

People were saying such beautiful words

about your life what they remembered was good

The song for your daughter , no dry eye in the place

a poem, a reading and pictures of your face

your strong wife and sisters and mother most of all

your brother by your side and your son standing tall

so many people, who stood at your request

to stop and think, how your life changed for the best

The seeds have been planted and waiting to grow

hearts need to heal, but it's hard to let go

The flowers that I brought to you were very white and sweet

I layed them on your casket, I layed them by your feet

I tried to smile without a tear, my tears I tried to save

But they fell like rain...in the midst, of my trying to be brave

I walked away with my man by my side

The heartache and anguish we could not hide.

God took your life, but only to borrow

Awakening for you, will seem like tomorrow

We pray for knowledge, we pray for comfort

We pray for calm and relief from all our hurt

To each word, each laugh, each smile we cling

in church your favorite songs we'll sing

I'll look to the reasons you came in my life

and allow them to help me through my own strife

I'll pray for your family as I promised I would

and "find it in the Bible" as you said that I should

I question if i'll ever find a friend as true as you

You always had a prayer for me and words of truth too

I treasure your goodness in the depth of my heart

Life will get easier but I need a jumpstart

Your belief will carry me through the bad days

I'll think how you strengthened me in tough times always

I'll pick up the phone to hear your voice or a prayer

but will hear silence and realize that you are not there

somehow as I walk the road of life on and on

I'll accept that my friend in Christ is really gone

I'll walk each step in a whole new way

remembering that God will reunite us one day.

First Previous 2-10 of 10 Next Last

Message 2 of 10 in Discussion

From: PurrsPeace

Sent: 7/20/2004 8:11 PM

Walt's death brought a stand still to my life..I felt I was just holding my breath for days on end...waiting to exhale. The words and feelings in side of me just kept coming and coming and I just wrote on and on....I title this LIMBO..because it was a few days after his death and before the funeral. I went out and bought the first black dress I had EVER bought. I always chose another color for sad times and funerals....but this time I was black inside, the lights went out and I felt the deepest anguish I'd ever experienced in my whole life........I remember feeling suffocated when i wrote this... I struggled with words and they were never enough...

written by Steph May 12, 2004

free from the pain

the journey is over

my heart feels nothing

and the tears fall like rain

That black dress hangs ready

some fear setting in

holding tight to memories

trying to stay steady

It's time to let go

one day closer

Jesus Rescue me

tired of feeling low

Tears fall easy

feels so good

thinking of heaven

hurt and pain free

words...I found a few

to describe your life

and why I feel

the way that I do

so kind and giving

I treasure your gifts

God in your soul

the core reason for living

Message 3 of 10 in Discussion

From: PurrsPeace

Sent: 7/20/2004 8:24 PM

If you don't read any other poem here....read this one!! it is what they read at his funeral. It was not my intention when I wrote this to have it read there..I thought maybe in church sometime.....but I passed it along to my mother and she passed it to the pastor who said it SHOULD BE READ!!

I wrote this the day after he died! I woke up and so many things were just buzzing in my head about how I first met Walt, what he meant to me....how his life had changed in just a few short years....I just started writing and writing and writing...........

A strangers Shoes

by Steph May 10th 2004

A stranger walked into our church one day trying to find peace and rest from a rugged old world. A stranger looking for the touch of God. He smiled and listened and learned the way of his Father. Week by week this stranger would come. He began to look different and not so strange--One day the stranger did not walk in the door. I looked and saw a friend in his place-- A friend with a mighty strong shoulder in times of need. A friend of sincerity and confidence in his walk with the Lord. He prayed a prayer of a child and overnight his words were transformed into a prayer of conviction and faith. so undeniably shining in every aspect of his life. He showed us that a friend is always there to help and never complain about where God takes you in life. "Let go and let God lead all your steps and thoughts" he said. I felt my hand slip away from that friend one day. I looked up and saw a spiritual leader. A man whom everyone admired and respected. A man of God chosen to walk in our lives and leave so many footprints behind him. He spoke of the blessings in his life, and he prayed faithfully for his family and friends. He read the Bible like it was the most precious thing in the world and always explained things clearly, directly and with a fresh breeze of wisdom and humor. He stood firm and grounded in his beliefs and showed us there is always something to savor in life. Rather than worrying too much about what is next, he payed more attention to what is here and now. Gods light reflected in his smile, eyes, words, and soul. That leader went on to be a mighty soldier. He fought the ultimate battle of his life. He displayed his courage and strength daily. Always reaching out to help others, to save others. He didn't give in but he got tired. we saw his body weaken, his pace slow down, his smile fade but inside he kept strong the love of God and allowed peace and comfort to consume his heart.

That man will not be in church this week. He is not gone, he is just away for awhile.

Brother Walt....I can't wait to see you there.

Written with the greatest admiration for my dear friend Walter

Message 4 of 10 in Discussion

From: PurrsPeace

Sent: 7/20/2004 8:55 PM

As soon as I returned from Florida my answering machine was flooded with phone calls....I think God had allowed me to "turn off" that situation for a couple weeks and enjoy my vacation with my family. I didn't call home to my mom and dad once....

I sent promised Walt during that last phone call before I left that I would send him a postcard...I did..and a message from his wife was awaiting my return....she said he got the card, and wanted to see me...I returned on Wednesday and I visited him on Thursday, Friday and Saturday...he died Sunday (mothers day)

When I visited on Thursday....i was not prepared for the site..he was home under hospice care and laying there..I will not go into details it is too hard

These are the words that I said to him, left him a dozen purple roses, squeezed his hand and although he didn't seem to acknowledge my presence while I was there, as my fingers trailed his walking away he grabbed them and squeezed back..I turned around and he was looking at me..his smile was gone but I KNEW he said thanks.....

I MISS YOU WALT...every day of my life!!

Friday may 7, 2004 3:02 pm

Walt,

Even on the most difficult days there is hope. The worst that can possibly happen cannot even come close to the good that already is. The whole world could crumble around you and still there would be the very real presence of joy and fulfillment in your life.

The best things you have, you cannot ever lose. The most important things can never be taken from you no matter what tragedy may befall you. And therin lies the strength to attempt anything. You truly cannot fail so you might as well succeed. Act strong because you are strong. Go confidently forward knowing that even on the very worst days there is still wonder and excitement to be found. You have a great life to be lived, turn on your courage and make it happen.

Message 5 of 10 in Discussion

From: PurrsPeace

Sent: 7/20/2004 9:01 PM

This is from my journal...but is the only piece I will share.....the words we write down become meaningful to look back upon.

May 8th, 2004 Saturday morning

Went to visit Walter. He was holding his head but his eyes were open much longer this time. He is not taking his morphene and steroids now. Hi is refusing to. Said he hasn't got time for the pain....wants to be alert for his family. where does he get his strength..... I keep praying for a miracle. that is selfish but I know i'm not the only one who is ready to let him slip out of our lives. I sensed his pain today. He didn't reach out for my hand this time, that is okay, I took it anyway and I know he is fighting a very harsh battle right now. Maybe he is embarrassed for us to see him so helpless and vunerable. Some days will be good and some bad.

Lord, raise him up, Hold him in your arms and carry him through. Give us all the insight that Walters life has been a great inspiration. Let his faithfullness and holiness and comittment to his Lord continue in our minds and keep us walking strong for You.

Message 6 of 10 in Discussion

From:

pringle33

Sent: 7/21/2004 1:48 PM

Your friends sounds like a wonderful man of GOD. I hope that you are at peace with what has happened.

My heart goes out to you for your loss.

Jackie

Don’t just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search!

Message 7 of 10 in Discussion

From:

Monette922

Sent: 7/21/2004 2:38 PM

Steph, Thank you so much for sharing Wally with us. I can see that he was definitely a true witness for God. His life made an impact on many people and will continue to do so. I send you and his family my love and sincere sympathy in the loss of such a dear friend. May God hold you close and give you peace.

Message 8 of 10 in Discussion

From:

ChristianaDawn

Sent: 7/21/2004 9:22 PM

Very moving Steph. Such wonderful words in a wonderful tribute to what surely was a wonderful person. I am so sorry for all of your very sad loss. God be with you and all his loved ones.

Mary xoxo

Message 9 of 10 in Discussion

From: PurrsPeace

Sent: 9/1/2004 7:30 PM

Remembering your laugh today..Remembering how on days like today....I could call you and just talk

Remembering......you are gone

Message 10 of 10 in Discussion

From: PurrsPeace

Sent: 9/19/2004 1:34 AM

Thinking of you and remembering the long rides on the open road! Happy Birthday Smedberg

First Previous 2-10 of 10 Next Last

Return to Memorials