The Time We Had/Have (Dear Lucy)

Whenever we reach the 17th of a month my heart does a little jolt!This day Jan. 17, 2026, marks 16 mos, since we lost 💔.The longevity of this reality is beginning to sink in! This winter I am meandering through John Greenleaf Whittier's Snow BoundA Winter IdyllThese stanzas struck a specially tender chord as round the fireside they recallstories and memories from departed loved ones... Some things will never changeWe cannot turn back TimeOr reach its walls to rearrangeThe pictures in its clime Time cannot give back daysOr one moment when spentThe clock will never change its waysThrough laughter or lament To trust the Giver of Time's lease, as it unfoldsHelps us to make the most of love No matter what it holds For love is worth the priceThe heart is bound to payGrief is the sacred/solemn sacrificeLove cannot hold at bay Each tear a testamentAnd tender tribute toThe Time We Had to Paint Its TentOf air with 'I love you' For love, when life is throughDoes not fade like a flow'rThe grave, though it must claim its dueIs Time's dust-and-ash bow'r And though the heart may tearAnd though the eye may brimGod, rich in mercy helps us bearLove's grief for her or him ...until each loss we braveWill deck departure's sod Time's inheritance is the graveLove's inheritance, God The Time We Have To SpendIs precious, but a glove/knifeThe Giver of its lease, my friendIs Everlasting Love/Life The clang of 'my' and 'me' Soon flies like worthless chaffOnly true love transcends Time's spreeGod seals its autograph The Tree that spawns the limbsWhere leaf sojourn is brief/runs rife Offers comfort that never dimsAs long as there is grief/life Janet Martin 1 Cor.13:12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: Do you know the One who purchased, holds and anchorsthe hope of Heaven/God? Rev.21:4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”