Thank you Joan

God looked around his garden
And found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the Earth,
And saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you,
And lifted you to rest.
God's Garden must be beautiful,
He always takes the best.
He knew you were suffering,
He knew that you were in pain.
He knew that you would never
Get well on Earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough,
And the hills were hard to climb,
So He closed your weary eyelids,
And whispered, "Peace be thine."
It broke our hearts to lose you,
But you didn't go alone,
For part of us went with you,
The day God called you home.
Author Unknown

	*My Reflections to Joan* *TOUCHING SHOULDERS* There's a comforting thought at the close of the day, When I'm weary and lonely and sad That sort of grips hold of this crusty old heart, and bids it be merry and glad. It gets in my soul, and drives out the blues, And finally thrills through and through. It is just a sweet memory that chants the refrain, I'm glad I touched shoulders with you. Did you know you were brave, did you know you were strong? Did you know there was one leaning hard? Did you know that I waited and listened and prayed? And was cheered by your simplest word? Did you know that I longed for that smile on your face? For the sound of your voice ringing true? Did you know I grew stronger, and better because, I had merely rubbed shoulders with you? *An Angel With you My Friend* Surrounding you are angels....they are there to guide your path... If weakness overcomes you, they'll give you strength if you will ask... They are your protection when life seems too hard to bear... And though you feel alone at times, the angels...they are there... Their faces ... may be hidden... and their voices you might not hear... But they are ALWAYS with you, through your laughter OR your tears... They'll walk along beside you...they'll guide your steps along the way... They'll comfort you and hold you...protect you night and day... They'll hold to your hand tightly...they'll not ever let it go... And they'll gently lead you forward...taking each step very slow... For even as you slumber...they watch closely over you... They are there beside you in each and every thing you do. When life is overwhelming...and your spirit has grown tired... Know they'll be there for you...to uplift and inspire... And when you're torn and lonely...and you see no hope ahead... Know that they will nourish you...your spirit will be fed... And if there comes a time in life...that your heart has been broken... Hear the words, "I'm here, my child"... and know your angel's spoken... For even in the darkest hour...when all of hope seems gone... They'll give you strength to live your life...and desire to go on... And if your faith in Heaven...should ever fade away... They'll help renew your spirit...and help you find your way... And even if you're filled with doubt...about the life you live... Know that they are there to give you all that they can give... They'll help you in your times in need...they'll wipe away your tears... They'll show to you compassion...they'll calm your raging fears... They'll hold your hand, direct you...should you fall from your path... They'll lift you up to steady you...all you need do is ... ask. For you see, the Father sent them...because to Him, you mean so much... That He sent them "just for you", my friend...and your life, they will touch... For when you were within the womb...the angels were selected... To guide you through your lifetime...to ensure you were protected.. They will always be here... they will "never" leave your side... And upon their strength and guidance, you always may rely... For even when the time comes... for you to say "goodbye"... The angels will be with you...they will lift you to the skies... From the time you were conceived, my friend... until the time of death... The angels, they are with you....with each and every breath... And nothing is too difficult for you, my friend...to face... For you have been presented with a gift of our Lord's grace... He has given unto you... a protector that is there To share your burdens with you with Heaven's utmost care... And no one knows you better...than your angels know you, dear... For every day that you have spent on earth, they, too were here... Take comfort in their guidance...draw strength from up above... And know that their sweet presence...is God's precious gift of love. *--Leigh Engel* God Bless