A Special Day in Heaven
Once upon a special day in Heaven up above , The tiniest souls sat at God's feet, surrounded by his love. The time was coming, very soon, God said, do not be scared. Your family awaits your arrival, now let us get prepared.
And so God looked upon these souls, in mute consideration. He knew the life each one would live, He weighed each situation.The souls chatted amongst themselves, and wondered who they'd be. They knew the day grew closer; soon, they'd meet their family. How would you like to change the world? God asked each soul in fun. The chance to change a soul, a heart, is held by only one.
I'm going to make the world laugh, one soul said with a smile, for laughter heals a broken heart, and helps us through each trial. Then take with you the brightest smile, and share your laughter well. The soul thanked God immensely, and down to earth he fell.And I'll remind the world to sing, a sweet little soul told the Lord. I have the gift of a beautiful voice; I can hit every note and every chord. You’ll have the gift of music then, a voice, lovely and strong. Share your gift with others, and let them hear your song.I will show compassion, the next little soul raised her hand. Some people only need a friend, someone to understand. Compassion is a good thing, God said with much delight. To you, I will give mercy. You'll perceive wrong from right. And so each soul shared every thought, their plans, their hopes, their dreams. And God explained that life, it is, much harder than it seems.
And as each soul began to leave in a scurry of laughter and fun.Heaven became quiet and still, for left was only one. Come sit with me my little child, God said with just a sigh. Do you know how many you will touch, in a world left wondering why? Before your life comes to an end, you will know much strife, but you'll teach those who know you, to cherish the smallest things in life. And some may only know you through a simple photograph, they'll never hold you in their arms, or memorize your laugh. Some may only know you through the words they read each day, but you'll do something wonderful, you'll make them stop and pray.
The tiniest soul raised his head up, to touch God's firm, strong hand. Father, I am ready for, the life that you have planned. And I will do the best I can without a word or deed. For you Lord, are the planter, and I will be your seed.
He could already hear many praying, and although they had not seen his face, they were praying for his safe arrival, they were asking for mercy and grace.
What talent do I leave with Lord? What gift do you impart? All that you will need, God said, I've placed within your heart. And so God kissed this tiny child, knowing all that he would be, and whispered as he watched him go...You'll teach them . . . to love me.
- Author Unknown
And so God looked upon these souls, in mute consideration. He knew the life each one would live, He weighed each situation.The souls chatted amongst themselves, and wondered who they'd be. They knew the day grew closer; soon, they'd meet their family. How would you like to change the world? God asked each soul in fun. The chance to change a soul, a heart, is held by only one.
I'm going to make the world laugh, one soul said with a smile, for laughter heals a broken heart, and helps us through each trial. Then take with you the brightest smile, and share your laughter well. The soul thanked God immensely, and down to earth he fell.And I'll remind the world to sing, a sweet little soul told the Lord. I have the gift of a beautiful voice; I can hit every note and every chord. You’ll have the gift of music then, a voice, lovely and strong. Share your gift with others, and let them hear your song.I will show compassion, the next little soul raised her hand. Some people only need a friend, someone to understand. Compassion is a good thing, God said with much delight. To you, I will give mercy. You'll perceive wrong from right. And so each soul shared every thought, their plans, their hopes, their dreams. And God explained that life, it is, much harder than it seems.
And as each soul began to leave in a scurry of laughter and fun.Heaven became quiet and still, for left was only one. Come sit with me my little child, God said with just a sigh. Do you know how many you will touch, in a world left wondering why? Before your life comes to an end, you will know much strife, but you'll teach those who know you, to cherish the smallest things in life. And some may only know you through a simple photograph, they'll never hold you in their arms, or memorize your laugh. Some may only know you through the words they read each day, but you'll do something wonderful, you'll make them stop and pray.
The tiniest soul raised his head up, to touch God's firm, strong hand. Father, I am ready for, the life that you have planned. And I will do the best I can without a word or deed. For you Lord, are the planter, and I will be your seed.
He could already hear many praying, and although they had not seen his face, they were praying for his safe arrival, they were asking for mercy and grace.
What talent do I leave with Lord? What gift do you impart? All that you will need, God said, I've placed within your heart. And so God kissed this tiny child, knowing all that he would be, and whispered as he watched him go...You'll teach them . . . to love me.
- Author Unknown
Why Carry A Dying Child? by Father Frank Pavone
Why Carry A Dying Child? Fr. Frank Pavone National Director and founder of Priests for Life, Fr. Pavone provided this essay especially for parents who receive a poor prenatal diagnosis. The diagnosis that an unborn child has a life-threatening disease or anomaly is a particularly heavy cross for a family to bear. The hopes and dreams that accompany a pregnancy are thrown into chaos, and the joy of the anticipation of the child's birth becomes intense anxiety. But there is one factor that does not change: the love which the family-and the rest of us-can give to that child.
Some wonder why a baby who will die shortly should even be brought to term. But are we not all to die shortly? How are we to evaluate what is long and what is short when we compare life to eternity? Nobody knows how long he or she is to live, nor do we measure the love we give based on the length of life.
Why should a baby who will die shortly be brought to term? Because we love that child for as long as that child lives, whether life be measured in decades or minutes. Why should we be there for anyone who is suffering? Why should we share in their pain? Why should we stay up all night for a sick toddler? Why should we wait by the bed of a loved one in the hospital? Why should we accept death for anyone, including ourselves?
The alternative to accepting death is to try to control it by giving ourselves the authority to take life before life will make too many demands on us. Hence we have abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia. Just take control. Don't let life hit you too hard. Eliminate the suffering by eliminating the person.
The late Terence Cardinal Cooke wrote a beautiful letter for Respect Life Sunday in 1983. Its eloquence was enhanced by the fact that he was dying of cancer as he wrote it, and died two days before it was read in all the parishes of the Archdiocese of New York. He wrote, "The 'gift of life,' God's special gift, is no less beautiful when it is accompanied by illness or weakness, hunger or poverty, mental or physical handicaps, loneliness or old age. Indeed, at these times, human life gains extra splendor as it requires our special care, concern and reverence."
His words are true no matter how old or young we are. Love means welcome-that is, I open my heart to you as you are -- not wanting-that is, you must meet my needs and expectations.
One of the most beautiful examples of this in our day is Karen Garver Santorum, whose book, "Letters to Gabriel," tells the story of her medically complicated pregnancy and her child whose life was so short. She and her family loved their child in his frailty in the womb. Describing his birth, she writes, "As sad as it was, the time with you gave us a chance to love and care for you." And that is the very meaning of life.
Some wonder why a baby who will die shortly should even be brought to term. But are we not all to die shortly? How are we to evaluate what is long and what is short when we compare life to eternity? Nobody knows how long he or she is to live, nor do we measure the love we give based on the length of life.
Why should a baby who will die shortly be brought to term? Because we love that child for as long as that child lives, whether life be measured in decades or minutes. Why should we be there for anyone who is suffering? Why should we share in their pain? Why should we stay up all night for a sick toddler? Why should we wait by the bed of a loved one in the hospital? Why should we accept death for anyone, including ourselves?
The alternative to accepting death is to try to control it by giving ourselves the authority to take life before life will make too many demands on us. Hence we have abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia. Just take control. Don't let life hit you too hard. Eliminate the suffering by eliminating the person.
The late Terence Cardinal Cooke wrote a beautiful letter for Respect Life Sunday in 1983. Its eloquence was enhanced by the fact that he was dying of cancer as he wrote it, and died two days before it was read in all the parishes of the Archdiocese of New York. He wrote, "The 'gift of life,' God's special gift, is no less beautiful when it is accompanied by illness or weakness, hunger or poverty, mental or physical handicaps, loneliness or old age. Indeed, at these times, human life gains extra splendor as it requires our special care, concern and reverence."
His words are true no matter how old or young we are. Love means welcome-that is, I open my heart to you as you are -- not wanting-that is, you must meet my needs and expectations.
One of the most beautiful examples of this in our day is Karen Garver Santorum, whose book, "Letters to Gabriel," tells the story of her medically complicated pregnancy and her child whose life was so short. She and her family loved their child in his frailty in the womb. Describing his birth, she writes, "As sad as it was, the time with you gave us a chance to love and care for you." And that is the very meaning of life.
I love you dear mummy
And I know I'm not here today
But last night while I slept
Sweet angels flew me away
They gave me a beautiful garden
With wings to fly to you
Mummy don't cry I am here
And that's what angels do
I'm happy in my garden mummy
And I want you to smile for me
As now I can watch over you
Just like you watched over me
Send me some lovely flowers
And little gifts for me to play
Don't miss me mummy
I love you
And I am here right now today.
And I know I'm not here today
But last night while I slept
Sweet angels flew me away
They gave me a beautiful garden
With wings to fly to you
Mummy don't cry I am here
And that's what angels do
I'm happy in my garden mummy
And I want you to smile for me
As now I can watch over you
Just like you watched over me
Send me some lovely flowers
And little gifts for me to play
Don't miss me mummy
I love you
And I am here right now today.