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 fades

And in its tender stead

An anguish of longing invades

The place where angels tread

To comfort us as we recall

Your voice, your smile, your touch

To gather up the tears that fall

As we miss you so much

While seasons roll across the land

As if nothing has changed

As we learn to weather time’s hand

With part of us estranged

The heart begins to reconcile

The void that will remain

To ache for your voice, touch and smile

Until we meet again

…and though the raw edge of grief fades

Beneath love’s brave façade

An anguish of longing invades

The place where we find God

He helps us treasure every tear

Each thought of you imparts

A precious, priceless souvenir

To harbour in our hearts

Time takes it toll and always will

For better-worse, it flies

And draws us all along until

It severs earthly ties

Where, pray we each leave in life’s wake

Of hold-to-letting go

The souvenir of love’s heartache

In all who miss/love us so

Janet Martin