This memorial website was created in the memory of 
Kenneth Clevinger
who was born on October 8, 1931 in Texas and passed away on July 17, 2006 at the age of 74.

He is survived by his wife of 39 ½ years: Antoinette
Daughters and sons-in-law: Amy & Mark;
Peggy & Chris;
Grandsons: Cody & fiancée Jessicah, Jeff, Tim, & Vincent;
Granddaughters: Lindsey, Elizabeth, Ashley, & Jessica;
Great-granddaughter: Kynzee;
Sister: Betty;
Brother: Clinton;

And numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

He is preceeded in death by his parents: James & Geneva;
Brother: Milton

I created this site as a place where family and friends can come visit, write tributes, light candles, view memories, and to just remember dad.

Everyone who knew him is well aware of what a special and loving man he was. Love for his family was his main purpose in life. He was…and still is…an angel to all whose lives he touched.

His memory will live in our hearts forever.





In Loving Memory


CPL James W. Clevinger (father)
~Angel Date: December 30, 1973~

Geneva House Clevinger (mother)
~Angel Date: June 1983~

Chance Colby Craig (Marks son born sleeping)
~Angel Date: July 1, 1984~

Chance Ventura (Amy’s grandfather Papo)
~Angel Date: February 24, 1997~

Terry Craig (Marks brother)
~Angel Date: October 22, 2000~
Terry's Memorial Page 

Milton Clevinger (brother) 
~Angel Date: April 26, 2001~

Shirley Mann (Amys birth mother)
~Angel Date: December 9, 2001~

Marie Palmer Ventura (Amys grandmother Mamo)
~Angel Date: February 25, 2002~

Otis House (uncle)
~Angel Date: January 29, 2006~

Naydean Danials Craig (Marks step-mother)
~Angel Date: August 19, 2006~
Naydeans Memorial Page

Allen Craig (Marks dad)
~Angel Date: February 17, 2008~
http://allen-craig.last-memories.com

Anthony Ventura (Papo's brother)
~Angel Date: September 27, 2008~

Harvey Burch (Mark's uncle)
~Angel Date: December 14, 2008~ 

 
Thank you for allowing me to share dad and his family with you.
Whether you are passing through, or you are a loved one, we would love for you to light a candle (light and write however often you would like). If dad has touched your life in any way, write a tribute and share that memory. If you have any photos you would like to share, please contact me.
Visit “His Legacy” page to read more about him.
I will continue to add to dad’s site, so visit again and often as you please.

***Please do not copy the graphics with dads picture or name in them. These graphics were made especially for him and are very special to his family. If you see one you like, please email me and I’ll give you the name of who made it.

This also goes for any poems that were written especially for him, and any other poems that I have asked for permission to use.

 

These are some songs that I thought you, dad's visitors, would enjoy listening to. These songs bring me comfort and a sense of peace. I sometimes come here just to listen to the song. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

***If you notice a broken link, please email ASAP so that I can get it changed.***





To My Beloved
You had a talent for bringing special meaning to life,
It was such a pleasure to be your wife.
You helped me to grow and to realize
The fullness and the beauty in our lives.

Every day I counted my blessings
Then God called, and you went away
Out of this world to a brighter day.
Suddenly my life of gladness
Turned to utter sadness.

My grief wears me down, I shed so many tears,
As I recall your love and devotion through the years.
For your sake and in memory of your name,
I pray for strength to do things the same.

To reach out, to fill the hours with useful ways
To comfort, to cheer and have no more empty days.
I try to console myself-it was God's greater plan,
So I must accept it, if I can.

You moved away to His splendid home above,
If there is life after death,
I know you will be waiting there for me,
With love.

Through Heaven and Earth divide us, and the distance is so great, I count my blessings for the years you were my mate.
I will live my life remembering, while you wait slumbering,
My beloved, may you rest in peace.













Sadly missed along life's way,
Quietly remembered every day.
No longer in our life to share,
But in our hearts he's always there.





Father's Are Wonderful People
Fathers are wonderful people
too little understood,
and we do not sing their praises
as often as we should...

For, somehow, father seems to be
the man who pays the bills,
while mother binds up little hurts
and nurses all our ills...

And father struggles daily
to live up to "his image"
as protector and provider
and "hero of the scrimmage"...

And perhaps that is the reason
we sometimes get the notion,
that Fathers are not subject
to the thing we call emotion.

But if you look inside dad's heart,
where no one else can see
you'll find he's sentimental
and as "soft" as he can be...

But he's so busy every day
in the gruelling race of life,
he leaves the sentimental stuff
to his partner and his wife...

But fathers are just wonderful
in a million different ways,
and they merit loving compliments
and accolades of praise.

For the only reason dad aspires
to fortune and success
is to make the family proud of him
and to bring them happiness...

And like Our Heavenly Father,
he's a guardian and a guide,
someone that we can count on
to be always on our side.
~Helen Steiner Rice~







The Lord's Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven
Hallowed be thy Name
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For thine is the kingdom
and the power
and the glory
for ever and ever
Amen





Wind Beneath My Wings
Ohhhh, oh, oh, oh, ohhh.
It must have been cold there in my shadow,
to never have sunlight on your face.
You were content to let me shine, that's your way.
You always walked a step behind.

So I was the one with all the glory,
while you were the one with all the strength.
A beautiful face without a name for so long.
A beautiful smile to hide the pain.

Did you ever know that you're my hero,
and everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
for you are the wind beneath my wings.

It might have appeared to go unnoticed,
but I've got it all here in my heart.
I want you to know I know the truth, of course I know it.
I would be nothing without you.

Did you ever know that you're my hero?
You're everything I wish I could be.
I could fly higher than an eagle,
for you are the wind beneath my wings.

Did I ever tell you you're my hero?
You're everything, everything I wish I could be.
Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle,
for you are the wind beneath my wings,
'cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

Oh, the wind beneath my wings.
You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings.
Fly, fly, fly away. You let me fly so high.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.
Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings.

Fly, fly, fly high against the sky,
so high I almost touch the sky.
Thank you, thank you,
thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings.
~Lyrics by Bette Midler~







There Is A Special Angel
There is a special Angel in Heaven
that is part of me,
it is not where I wanted him,
but where God wanted him to be.
He was here but just a moment
like a night time shooting star,
and though he is in Heaven
he isn't very far.
He touched the heart of many
like only an Angel can do,
so I send this special message
to the Heaven up above,
Please take care of my Angel
and send him all my love.







The Man We Love
It's been so hard since you left,
Our hearts were broke in two.
You're always in our memory
In everything we do.

You are a very special man
To all who love you so.
We miss you so very much
Why did you have to go?

We know you are free from pain
Your soul has been set free.
Save a place in Heaven for us
So together we can be.

We will always miss you
Your forever in our heart.
Someday we'll be together
Never again to be apart.

Until that day remember
We once again will be family.
Enjoying the wonders of Heaven
For all of eternity.

©2007
Especially for dad
by Dianne~
http://www.jeanneshouseofangels.com/kenneth.html







Those we love must someday pass
beyond our present sight...
must leave us and the world we know
without their radiant light.

But we know that like a candle,
their lovely light will shine
to brighten up another place more
perfect more divine.

And in the realm of Heaven,
where they shine
so warm and bright.
Our loved ones live forevermore,
in God's eternal light.
~Author Unknown~







HIS JOURNEY'S JUST BEGUN
Don't think of him as gone away -
his journey's just begun,
life holds so many facets -
this earth is only one.

Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.

Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.

And think of him as living
In the hearts of those he touched
For nothing loved is ever lost -
And he was loved so much.
~Author Unknown~



 



A Fallen Limb
A limb has fallen from the family tree
I hear a voice that whispers "Grieve not for me."

Remember the best times, the laughter, the songs,
The good I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I am counting on you.
Keep on smiling, the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest
Remembering all...how I was truely blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.
Go on with your life, don't stare at the wall.

I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin,
Until that fine day, we're together again.
~Author Unknown~







A heart of gold stopped beating,
two shining eyes at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove,
he only takes the best.
God knew you had to leave us,
but you did not go alone,
for part of us went with you,
the day he took you home.
To some you are forgotten,
to others just part of the past,
but to us who loved and lost you,
your memory will last
~Author Unknown~







When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
all filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn't cry,
the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things
we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name
and took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready, in heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away
a tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought
I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for,
So much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible
that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared
and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you,
and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,
that this could never be,
For emptiness and memories
would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates
I felt so much at home,
When God looked down and smiled at me,
from his great golden throne
He said,
"This is eternity, and all I've promised you.
Today your life on earth is past
but here life starts anew,
I promise no tomorrow
but today will always last,
And since each day's the same way
there's no longing for the past,
You have been so faithful, so trusting,
and so true
Though there were times you did
some things you knew you shouldn't do,
But you have been forgiven
and now at last you're free,
So won't you come and take my hand,
and share my life with me?"

So when tomorrow starts without me,
don’t think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I'm right here in your heart.



 



If I Had Only Known
If I had only known
It was the last walk in the rain
I'd keep you out for hours in the storm
I would hold your hand
Like a life line to my heart
Underneath the thunder we'd be warm
If I had only known
It was our last walk in the rain

If I had only known
I'd never hear your voice again
I'd memorize each thing you ever said
And on those lonely nights
I could think of them once more
Keep your words alive inside my head
If I had only known
I'd never hear your voice again

You were the treasure in my hand
You were the one who always stood beside me
So unaware I foolishly believed
That you would always be there
But then there came a day
And I turned my head and you slipped away

If I had only known
It was my last night by your side
I'd pray a miracle would stop the dawn
And when you'd smile at me
I would look into your eyes
And make sure you know my love
For you goes on and on
If I had only known
If I had only known
The love I would've shown
If I had only known
~Lyrics by Reba McEntyre~





I Thought Of You
I thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new.
I thought about you yesterday, and the day befor that too.
I think of you in silence, I often say your name,
But all I have is memories and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is my keepsake, with which I'll never part.
God has you in his keeping, I have you in my heart.
I shed tears for what might have been, a million times I've cried.
If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly, in death I love you still,
In my heart you hold a place no one could ever fill.
It broke my heart to lose you, but you didn't go alone
For part of me went with you, the day God took you home.
~Arthur Unknown~

We love you..Antoinette, Amy, and Peggy





My Precious PawPaw
I wish I could see you one more time
Come walking through the door,
But I know that is impossible,
I will hear your voice no more.
I know you can feel my tears
And you don't want me to cry,
Yet my heart is broken
Because I can't understand why,
Someone so precious had to die.
I pray that God will give me strength,
And somehow get me through,
As I struggle with this heartache
That was caused by losing you.
~Unknown~
We love and miss you very much PawPaw



 

Dear Lord,
I really miss my grandpa and I
wish he was here so I could
give him one last kiss cause I really
love him!
Love,
Jessica
©2007 Jessica

Right now I'm in a different place
And though we seem apart
I'm closer than I ever was
... I'm there inside your heart

I'm with you when you greet each day
And while the sun shines bright
I'm there to share the sunsets, too
... I'm with you every night

I'm with you when the times are good
To share a laugh or two,
And if a tear should start to fall
... I'll still be there for you

And when that day arrives
That we no longer are apart,
I'll smile and hold you close to me
... Forever in my heart



 

PawPaw is LOVE
~Written by Jessica-age 8
youngest granddaughter~

Love is you
And always will be
because I love you.
We will both be in each others heart because that
is what love is.
I will always love you!!



 



If we could have a lifetime wish
and one dream that could come true,
We would pray to God with all our
hearts just to see and speak to you.

A thousand words won’t bring you back
We know because we’ve tried,
and neither will a million tears
We know because we’ve cried.

You’ve left behind our broken hearts
and precious memories too,
But we’ve never wanted memories
We only wanted you.

 

You were the best dad
You never made me mad
When I was a little one
You knew it would not be easily done
You were a funny man
and taught me that "I can"
You walked me down the aisle
it seemed like a mile
When the grandkids came
You loved them all the same
You went to the ballgame
Even when you knew it might be lame
As well as the school plays
That went on for days
When you fell ill
You still had strong will
Now you are there
and I wish you were here
I will shout it loud
I am very proud
that you were my dad
but now I am sad
You had to go
Your family loves your so
Now, in a blink of an eye
I have to say good-bye.
©2006 Peggy
(Daughter)
read at dads funeral



 

Daddy's Hands
Lyrics by Holly Dunn

I remember Daddy's hands, folded silently in prayer.
And reaching out to hold me, when I had a nightmare.
You could read quite a story, in the callouses and lines.
Years of work and worry had left their mark behind.

I remember Daddy's hands, how they held my Mama tight,
And patted my back, for something done right.
There are things that I've forgotten, that I loved about the man,
But I'll always remember the love in Daddy's hands.

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin'.
Daddy's hands were hard as steel when I'd done wrong.
Daddy's hands weren't always gentle
But I've come to understand.
There was always love in Daddy's hands.

I remember Daddy's hands, working 'til they bled.
Sacrificed unselfishly, just to keep us all fed.
If I could do things over, I'd live my life again.
And never take for granted the love in Daddy's hands.

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin´.
Daddy's hands were hard as steel when I'd done wrong.
Daddy's hands weren't always gentle
But I've come to understand.
There was always love in Daddy's hands.

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin´.
Daddy's hands were hard as steel when I'd done wrong.
Daddy's hands weren't always gentle
But I've come to understand.
There was always love...
In Daddy's hands.

 

The mention of his name
May bring tears to our eyes,
But it never fails to bring
Music to our ears.
If you are really our friend,
Let us hear
the beautiful music of his name.
It soothes our broken hearts
and sings love to our soul.
~Author Unknown~



 



If I could have a lifetime wish
A dream that would come true.
I’d pray to God with all my heart for yesterday and you.
A thousand words can’t bring you back,
I know because I have tried.
And neither will a million tears
I know because I have cried.
You left behind my broken heart
and happy memories too.
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.
~Author Unknown~





Psalms 23:1-6
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

 

Whispers From Heaven
They say that life is fleeting
I know that this is true
I left this world so quickly
With no goodbye to you.

I know how much you miss me
Your tears fall ever light
The pillow where you lay your head
Is wet with them at night.

I know your heart is hurting
The words we left, unsaid
I love you's, left unspoken
Are spinning in your head.

The strength that I have carried
That served to make you whole
Remains to make you stronger
Within your grieving soul.

For you see, while you were weeping
On the day I passed away
At the gravesite near the flowers
Where my loved ones knelt to pray.

An angel came to see me
She took me by the hand
She led me to a kingdom
In a very distant land.

As I look down from heaven
And see you standing there
Your heart so ever burdened
With more grief than it can bear.

I long to bring you comfort
I long to give you peace
I long to hold you closely
Cause all your tears to cease.

The joy I've found in heaven
Goes far beyond compare
The love that's so elusive
Can be found here everywhere.

The light is softly shining
There's no storm clouds here or rain
There's no teardrops found in heaven
There's no suffering, there's no pain.

You needn't be so troubled
Stay close to God and pray
That someday we'll be together
One bright and glorious day.

So my love, you shouldn't question
My dear you need not cry
I've gone to be with Jesus
I really didn't die.

©2004 Marilyn Ferguson
http://www.marilynspoetry.com



I wrote your name in the sky
but the wind blew it away
I wrote your name in the sand
but the waves washed it away
I wrote your name in my heart
and forever it will stay





If Tears Could Build A Stairway
If tears could build a stairway
And memories were a lane
We would walk right up to Heaven
And bring you back again
No farewell words were spoken
No time to say goodbye
You were gone before we knew it
And only God knows why
Our hearts still ache in sadness
And secret tears still flow
What it meant to lose you
No on will ever know
But know we know you want us
To mourn for you no more
To remember all the happy times
Life still has much in store
Since you’ll never be forgotten
We pledge to you today
A hallowed place within our hearts
Is where you’ll always stay
~Author Unknown~





God grant me the
Serenity
to accept the things
I cannot change;
Courage
to change the
things I can;
and the
Wisdom
to know the difference


 

Broken Chain
We little knew that morning,
God was going to call your name,
In life we loved you dearly,
in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you,
the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories,
your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one,
The chain will link again.



If Teardrops Were a Stairway...
If we had one lifetime wish
One dream that could come true
We'd pray to God so hard
For yesterday and you.

The things we feel so deeply
Are the hardest things to say.
But we your family, love you
In a very special way.

They say memories are golden
Well maybe that is true.
But we never wanted memories,
We only wanted you.

If teardrops were a stairway
And heartaches made a lane,
We'd walk a path to heaven
And bring you back again.

A thousand times we've cried.
If our love could have saved you
You never would have died.
~Author Unknown~







An Angel kissed my tears away today
when I was feeling sad
I wasn't feeling quite myself
my day had been so bad

I felt a warmth brush by me
that quickly dried my tears
A gentle, kind, and loving touch
that seemed to hold me near

Immediately I felt so much better
and the day seened brighter too
I guess that's just the way you feel
when an Angel comforts you.
~Author Unknown~





 

What Makes A Dad
A dad is a person who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.
He's someone who listens, suggests, and defends.
A dad can be one of your very best friends!
He's proud of you triumphs, but when things go wrong, a dad can be patient and helpful and strong.
In all that you do, a dad's love plays a part.
There's always a place for him deep in you heart.
And each year that passes, you're even more glad,
More greatful and proud, just to call him your dad!
Thank you, Dad...
for listening and caring, for giving and sharing,
But, especially for just being you!
~Arthor Unknown~

 



I’m Free
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I'm following the path God has laid you see.
I took His hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Oh, yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I've savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee,
God wanted me now, He set me free.
~Author Unknow~



 



How Long Will The Pain Last
How long will the pain last?"
a broken hearted mourner asked me.
"All the rest of your Life."
I have to answer truthfully.

We never quite forget. No matter how many years pass, we remember. The loss of a loved one is like a major operation. Part of us is removed, and we have a scar for the rest of our lives.

As years go by, we manage.
There are things to do, people to care for, tasks that
call for full attention.

But the pain is still there, not far below the surface. We see a face that looks familiar, hear a voice that echoes, see a photograph in someone's album, see a landscape that once we saw together, and it
seems as though a knife were in the wound again. But not
so painfully. And mixed with joy, too. Because remembering
a happy time is not all sorrow, it brings back happiness with it.

How long will the pain last?
All the rest of your life. But the thing to remember is that not only the pain will last, but the blessed memories as well.

Tears are proof of life. The more love, the more tears. If this be true, then how could we ever ask that the pain cease altogether. For then
the memory of love would go with it.

The pain of grief is the price we pay for love.
~Author Unknown~



 



Just a Breath Away
Look for me in springtime
As raindrops fill the air
In the splendor of the rainbow
You’ll find my presence there.

You will find me in the fragrance
Of April’s sweet perfume
Drifting through the clover
On a sultry day in June.

An August day will find me
Upon the summer breeze
On the distant sound of the thunder
In the gently swaying trees.

In the golden fields of harvest
Is where I can be found.
As autumn time approaches
And leaves comes tumbling down

In the wintertime when days are short
And chill is in the air
Just look into a moonlit night
You’ll find me lingering there.

When the setting sun has gone away
And shadows fill the night
When the cloak of darkness lifts its veil
I’ll be your morning light.

So when you feel discouraged
Get on your knees and pray
You’ll feel me there beside you
I’m just a breath away.



 

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is dispair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much
seek to be consoled as to be consoled;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

 





I have an angel on my shoulder
He whispers in my ear.
His voice is soft and gentle
And no one else can hear.

When I'm tired and lonely
It's comfort that he brings.
When I'm filled with happiness
I hear his laughter ring.

My angel's very close to me.
I even know his name.
And though I cannot see him
I love him just the same.

He now has no more suffering
And gone is all the pain.
I believe with all my heart
We will someday meet again.

An angel's job is taxing
It's as hard as it can be.
I hope he doesn't get too tired
Looking after me.

Yes, my angel's with me
from morning til the night.
I know as long as he is here
Everything will be alright.

So when my days are over
I'll not pass in fear.
I know my angel's waiting
To lead me home up there.




What Is A Dad
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ...
DAD

I Stood Beside Your Bed
I stood beside your bed last night,
I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying
quietly in your sleep.

I touched you softly
as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you,
I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast,
I watched you pour coffee,
You were thinking of how much
you longed to be with me.

I was with you at the store today,
Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels,
I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today,
You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you,
that I'm not really there.

I walked with you to the house,
as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my hand on you,
I smiled and said, "It's me."

You looked so very tired,
and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know,
that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be
so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty,
"I never went away."

You sat there very quietly,
then smiled, I think you knew...
In the stillness of that evening,
I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and say
as I watch you yawning,
"Good night, God bless
I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you
to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you,
we'll stand side by side.

I have so many things to show you,
there's so much for you to see.
Be patient, live out your journey
then come home to be with me.
~Author Unknown~



 



Angels Among Us
I was walking home from school on a cold winter's day
Took a shortcut through the woods and I lost my way
It was getting late and I was scared and alone
Then a kind old man took my hand and led me home
Mama couldn't see him, but he was standing there
But I knew in my heart, he was the answer to my prayers

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live
To teach us how to give
To guide us with a light of love

When life dealt troubled times and had me down on my knees
There's always been someone there to come along and comfort me A kind word from a stranger to lend a helping hand
A phone call from a friend just to say I understand
Ain't it kind of funny at the dark end of the road
Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live
To teach us how to give
To guide us with a light of love

They wear so many faces
Show up in the strangest places
Grace us with thier mercy
In our time of need

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live
To teach us how to give
To guide us with a light of love
~Song lyrics by Alabama~





 

A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and
gold in his heart.

 



A Grandfather Like You
Throughout the years, you've always been
A wonderful man you see
When I was small you took the time
to bounce me on your knee.

As I grew older you were there
I only had to call
I knew that I could count on you
You'd never let me fall.

So many hard times in my life
You've helped to get me through
I'm so glad God gave me
A grandfather as special as you.
~Unknown~
We all love you: Tim, Lindsey, Vincent, Cody, Jeff, Elizabeth, Ashley, Jessica, and Kynzee





 

No More Pain
In tears I saw you sinking,
I watched you fade away
You suffered much in silence
You fought so hard to stay
You faced your task with courage
Your spirit did not bend
and still you kept on fighting until the very end
God saw you getting tired
When a cure was not to be
So he put his arm around you and whispered
"Come to me"
So when I saw you sleeping
So peaceful, free from pain
I could not wish you back
to suffer that again
~Unknown~





 

Truly An Angel
An Angel is what he is to me
That's what he was truly meant to be.
As his time on earth has past
His memory will always last.

He was put to the ultimate test
Now it's time for him to rest.
So as he goes
Heaven only knows.

That he was more
Than you or me.
Because an Angel is what
He was truly meant to be.
~Unknown~





Farewell My Precious Granddad
Farewell my precious granddad
Your race on earth is done
You now live in Heaven
With God and his gracious son
Although my heart mourns for you
and my eyes are filled with tears
I am thankful that I had you
to love and guide me through the years
Yoy were always an inspiration
Your strength, it knew no bounds
I know that God has blessed you
with many Heavenly crowns.
So, farewell my precious granddad
You will always be in my heart
i will remember your gentle teachings
From which I'll never part.
~Unknown~





Precious Grandpa
I can't tell you Grandpa
How many tears I've cried
Since the day I was told
My precious grandpa had died.
It seems inpossible
Although I know its true
Because everything I see
Reminds me of you.
I still hear your laughter
See the smile on your face
I would have lost my sanity
If not for God's saving grace.
I have to close this letter now
But this is not good-bye
For you will forever walk softly
In my heart and in my mind.
~Unknown~





 

God saw that you were getting tired,
And a recovery was not to be.
So he put His arms around you
And whispered, "Come home with me."
With tearful eyes, we watched you suffer
And saw you fade away.
Although we loved you dearly,
We could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating:
A determined spirit is at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best
~Unknown~





My Father
When I was 4 years old: My daddy can do anything.
When I was 5 years old: My daddy knows a whole lot.
When I was 6 years old: My dad is smarter than your dad.
When I was 8 years old: My dad doesn't know exactly everything.
When I was 10 years old: In the olden days, when my dad grew up, things were sure different.
When I was 12 years old: Oh well, naturally, Dad doesn't know anything about that. He
is too old to remember his childhood.
When I was 14 years old: Don't pay any attention to my dad. He is so old-fashioned.
When I was 21 years old: Him? My Lord, he's hopelessly out of date.
When I was 25 years old: Dad knows about it, but then he should, because he has been around so long.
When I was 30 years old: Maybe we should ask dad what he thinks. After all, he's had a lot of experience.
When I was 35 years old: I'm not doing a single thing until I talk to Dad.
When I was 40 years old: I wonder how Dad would have handled it. He was so wise.
When I was 50 years old: I'd give anything if dad were here now so I could talk this
over with him. Too bad I didn't appreciate how smart he was. I could have
learned a lot from him.
~Ann Landers~









Footprints In The Sand
Author: Mary Stevenson

One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand;
One belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
He looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life,
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
And saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times
in my life there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed you most, you would leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one
set of footprints in the sand,
it was then that I carried you."





 

Letter From Heaven
To my dearest family,
Some things I'd like to say, but first of all, I'd like to let you know that I arrived oaky. I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above. Here there is no more tears of sadness. Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight. Remember that I am with you every morning, noon, and night. That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me and said, I welcome you. It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone. As for your dear family, they will be here later on. I need you here badly, you're part of my plan. There's so much we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight God and I are closest to you...in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth and all those loving years, because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
Do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all God has planned. If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over, I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you, and many hills to climb, but together we can do it by taking it one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too, that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain, then you can say to God at night..."My day was not in vain."
And now I'm contented that my life was worthwhile, knowing as I passed along the way I made someone smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low; just lend a hand to pick him up as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind, I'm walking in you footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.





 

An Angel in Your Pocket
I am a tiny angel ...
I'm smaller than your thumb;
I live in people pockets,
That's where I have my fun.

I don't suppose you've seen me,
I'm too tiny to detect;
Though I'm with you all the time,
I doubt we've ever met.

Before I was an Angel ...
I was a fairy in a flower;
God, Himself, hand-picked me,
And gave me Angel power.

Now God has many Angels
That He trains in Angel pools;
We become His eyes, and ears, and hands ...
We become His special tools.

And because God is so busy,
With way too much to do;
He said that my assignment
Was to keep close watch on you.

Then He tucked me in your pocket,
Blessing you with Angel care;
Saying I must never leave you,
And I vowed to stay right there!

~©1999 Virginia Ellis~
http://www.pennyparker2.com/ginny.html
http://poetrybyginny.com/index.htm



 



I'm Everywhere
Please don't mourn for me I'm still here,
though you don't see I'm right by your
side each night and day
And within your heart I long to stay
My body is gone but I'm always near
I'm everything you feel, see or hear
My spirit is free, but I'll never depart
As long as you keep me alive in your heart
I'll never wander out of your sight
I'm the brightest star on a summer night
I'll never be beyond your reach
I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach
I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around
And the pure white snow that blankets the ground
I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond
The clear cool water in a quiet pond
I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in spring
The first warm raindrop that April will bring
I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine
And you'll see that the face in the moon is mine
When you start thinking there's no one to love you
You can talk to me through the Lord above you
I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees
And you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze
I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
And the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep
I'm the smile you see on a baby's face
Just look for me, I'm everyplace...
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you did not go alone
For part of us went with you
The day God took you home

 


www.preciousmemorials.com