Never Have to Say Good-bye

       This earth is just a temporary place
       Where we live and love and laugh
       You lived here with such a grace
       So loved until your final breath...
       You suffered heart-ache, found love and joy
       Through life, you travelled far
       All with a smile that radiated light
       Your presence, we all adored...
       You fought a good fight, you finished your race
       You kept on loving God
       The peace you had, with others, you shared
       We are thankful on this earth, you trod...
       We never have to say good-bye
       For you've reached the other shore
       Our tears are just temporary ones
       We love you forever more...
       You're walking streets of gold up there
       You've seen our Saviour's face
       Your loved ones who have gone before
       You've seen, their pain erased...
       We'll see you later, over there
       Our work down here's not done
       We'll miss you sorely, your precious smile,
       Your new life has just begun.

*written for Grandma Ruth R. Garten, gone on to her new home, 3/28/13