Dear Lucy, Like a Priceless Souvenir

These days, (Christmas season) when I am asked how I'm doing (regarding the sorrow of missing Lucy)I've come to realize the raw edge of grief has faded into a tender, deep, deep ache,that, by the grace of God, I will treasure like a priceless souvenir, as long as I live... Dear Lucy, As Time goes by... The raw edge of love’s heartache fadesAnd in its tender steadAn anguish of longing invadesThe place where angels treadTo comfort us as we recallYour voice, your smile, your touchTo gather up the tears that fallAs we miss you so much While seasons roll across the landAs if nothing has changedAs we learn to weather time’s handWith part of us estrangedThe heart begins to reconcileThe void that will remainTo ache for your voice, touch and smileUntil we meet again …and though the raw edge of grief fadesBeneath love’s brave façadeAn anguish of longing invadesThe place where we find GodHe helps us treasure every tearEach thought of you impartsA precious, priceless souvenirTo harbour in our hearts Time takes it toll and always willFor better-worse, it fliesAnd draws us all along untilIt severs earthly tiesWhere, pray we each leave in life’s wakeOf hold-to-letting goThe souvenir of love’s heartacheIn all who miss/love us so Janet Martin