Trixie Cruz: God's Loan

In 1999 before I buried my daughter, another mother handed this poem to me. She too had lost a child some years before. She told me that one never truly gets over it, but the understanding of others sometimes helps.

God’s Loan

by Edgar Albert Guest

"I'll send you for a little time,

A child of mine," He said,

"For you to love the while she lives

And mourn for when she's dead.

"It may six or seven years

Or twenty-two or three,

But will you till I call her back,

Take care of her for me?

"She'll bring her charms to gladden you

And should her stay be brief,

You'll have these precious memories,

As solace for your grief.

"I cannot promise she will stay

Since all from earth return.

But there are lessons taught down there

I want this child to learn.

"I've looked this whole world over,

In my search for teachers true.

And in the crowds that throng life's land,

I have selected you.

"Now will you give her all your love

Not think the labour vain,

Nor hate me when I come to call

To take her back again?"

It seems to me I heard them say,

"Dear Lord, Thy Will be done.

For all the joys thy child shall bring,

The risk of grief we'll run.

"We'll shelter her with tenderness,

We'll love her while we may,

And for the happiness we've known

Forever grateful stay.

"And should the angels call for her

Much sooner than we'd planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes

And try to understand.

Of course, understanding still eludes me to this day. But acceptance has come in the intervening years. I have since learned to trust that my Maker knows what is best for me and all his children.




To know more about Trixie Cruz Angeles, check out: I AM TRIXIE CRUZ