In loving memory of Laura May Ann Hope-Verlinde
Feb.26, 1979 - March 20, 1999

"When tomorrow starts without me."

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see...

If the sun should rise and find your eyes..all filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you would not cry, the way you did today...

While thinking of the many things, we did not get to say.

I know how much you love me...as much as I love you,

and each time you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand:

An angel came, called my name and took me by the hand...

and said my place was ready, in heaven far above

and that I'd have to leave behind - all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,

for all my life I'd always thought.. 'I didn't want to die.'

I had so much to live for, so much yet to do,

it seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,

I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday, just even for awhile,

I'd say good bye and kiss you, and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realize, that this could never be,

for emptiness and memories, would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things, that I might miss tomorrow,

I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home

When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne.

He said:

"This is eternity, and all I've promised you,

today for life on earth is past, but here it starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,

and since each day is the same day, there's no longing for the past.

Child, you have been so faithful, so trusting and so true,

Though there were times you did some things,

you knew you should not do.

But you have been forgiven, and now at last you're free

So won't you take My hand, and share My life with Me?"

So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart

for every time you think of me, I'm here within your heart.