The music you are listening to is "If You Came Back From Heaven" recorded by Lorrie Morgan This page was created just for Mr. William's Mommy, by his Papaw Joe, to let her know how much Nanny and I love her. To thank her for all the time she gave up so Mr. William could spend time with his Papaw. I know she is the best Mother ever, because I was there from the beginning to the end. God knew what he was doing when he picked Tammy to be Mr. William's Mother. With all our love, Papaw Joe and Nanny I have a lot of ideas, but that is all they would be if I did not have Cathy Knudtson to bring them to life. There are no words to say how much I think of her, or what she means to me and my family. One thing I do know, she was sent by God. All I can says is, Thank you Cathy. Joe (Papaw) Anderson GOD CHOOSES A MOTHER "I'll lend you for a little time a child of mine" He said, "for you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he's dead. "It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three. But will you, till I call him back take care of him for me?" "He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and should his stay be brief. You'll have lovely memories as solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return. But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn. I've looked the wide world over for teachers true. And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I've selected you. Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain. Nor hate me when I come to call him back again?" I fancied I heard them say: "Dear Lord, thy will be done!" For all the joy thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run. We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may. And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay. But shall the angels call for him sooner than we've planned. We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand. Edgar Guest They Say They say that time will heal my heart, I found this is not so. You see, with you, my heart went too, So many months ago They say I must get over this, I have a life to live. You are my life, and to have you back, Oh, What I wouldn't give. They say that you are happy now, In a better place than I. This, my son, I know is true, As tears fall from my eyes. They say that you can hear me now. I hope that this is true. I look and listen, day and night for just a glimpse of you. They say to give it all to God, Do this without delay. But isn't that just what I did, Two years ago today? I love you! Mommy 11/30/01 I Lost My Child Today I lost my child today. People came to weep and cry. And I just sat and stared, dry eyed. They struggled to find words to say, To try and make the pain go away. I walked the floor in disbelief. I lost my child today. I lost my child last month. Most of the people went away Some still call and some still stay. I wait to wake up from this dream. This can't be real. I want to scream. Yet everything is locked inside, God, help me! I want to die. I lost my child last month. I lost my child last year. Now people who had come, have gone. I sit and struggle all day long, to bear the pain so deep inside. And now my friends just question, Why? Why does this mother not move on? Just last week she seemed so strong. Good heavens, it has been so long. I lost my child last year. Time has not moved on for me. My eyes have now cried many tears. And the numbness I fear has disappeared. I see the look of hope upon your face, "She has moved on, and left that place." Yet I still feel trapped right there in time. The songs the same as in the rhyme, I lost my child...today. No matter how many hours, days or years go by...I will miss you. I will love you. I will think of you. I will be thankful for you. I will remember you. All my love, Mommy To Where You Are Who can say for certain, maybe you're still here. I feel you all around me, your memory so clear. Deep in the stillness, I can hear you speak. You're still an inspiration, can it be? That you are my, forever love, and you are watching me from up above. Fly me up to where you are beyond the distant star I wish upon tonight to see you smile, If only for awhile to know you're there. A breath away not far to where you are. Are you gently sleeping here inside my dream? And isn't faith believing? All power can't be seen.. As my heart hold you, just one beat away. I cherish all you gave me, everyday. Cause you are my forever love, watching me from up above. And I believe that angels breathe, and that love will live on and never leave. Fly me up to where you are beyond the distant star I wish upon tonight to see you smile, If only for awhile to know you're there. A breath away not far to where you are. Happy Birthday baby! I love you and miss you with all my heart. Until I can be with you again, remember...too heaven and back again! Mommy March 6, 2002 Mommy's Know Everything They told my mommy that I would never be, She would never have a special kid like me. But mommy prayed to God and asked pretty please; Can't you send a special child so he sent her me. Mommy she knew everything, I was really glad Cause lots of times I'd ask her cause I was just a lad. She knew all the answers and how lucky was I That mommy was the one God chose to sit by my side. There came a time I got real sick, it made my mommy sad But all I know is that I'm glad she was who I had. To rub my back and hold my hand and tell me it's ok She always knew everything in each and every way. I know she didn't know this but I heard her pray that God would make it easier if I was to stay. She knew that I was hurting and she let me go Knowing that I thanked her for I loved her so. I love my mommy oh so much; God gave me to her cause he knew when I was sick I would need someone with nerve. He knew that I would need a soft and gentle touch, So he gave me to mommy who I love so much. I see her now, I know she knows that I watch her every day. I see her in the twilight when she bows her head to pray. She's asking God to make sure that I am not in pain And that she never ever has to see that again. She knows that I'm here beside her, holding on to her hand. Cause Mommy's know everything and mommy's understand. I know someday she'll join me, but it's not time just yet, She's got some living to do that she didn't get. She was always there for me every single day and I know my mommy, it would be no other way. So I just wanted to tell you that I love you so and I know you hated to see me have to go. But when you get discouraged, sad and feeling blue Just know that I'm cloud hopping and waiting just for you. For Mr. William's Mom Kathalise A very special and huge Thank You to Kathalise for this beautiful and touching poem she wrote especially for us. Words cannot express our gratitude for her taking the time to compose this poem. It will remain in our hearts. God bless and keep you Kathalise. Mr. William and a couple of his friends hamming it up on the first day of school - 1999 Mr. William's first day of school - 1999 This Too Will Pass Away by: Helen Steiner Rice If I can endure for this minute whatever is happening to me, No matter how heavy my heart is or how dark the moment may be - If I can but keep on believing what I know in my heart to be true that darkness will fade with the morning, and that this will pass away too - then nothing can ever disturb me or fill me with uncertain fear. For as sure as night brings the dawning my morning is bound to appear. I read this poem over and over. It comforts me in moments when I feel that I will surely die with the amount of pain that has engulfed me. There are so many moments when I want to scream because I want to hold my son and I can't. The only thing I can do is let God carry me through until I can smile again, love again, see the world around me again. Written by Mr. William's Mommy, Tammy Mr. William and his Great Aunt Mary Johnson and Mommy 1998 Mommy's birthday 1998. Mr. William made her a T-Shirt with one of her favorite photos. He also got her a cake that said Happy Birthday Mommy and a set of toy golf clubs, which he knew she would give to him. Very smart boy. Like all little boys, Mr. William sometimes did not want his photo taken, but he never passed up a chance to take a photo with his Mommy A million times I've missed you, A million times I've cried, If love could just have kept you here You never would have died. My heart is broke in two my son, My arms are empty too Please know that Mommy misses you, and will till time is through. I hope you are happy William, In heaven up above. I hope that you can feel that I send you all my love. Please wait for Mommy darling You know I'll be home soon. Please meet me at the Pearly Gates And take me to your room I love you Baby! God will tuck you in until he calls me home. Mommy Mommy and Mr. William holding his baby Kristi Dad, Mommy, Courtney and Mr. William - 1999 Mr. William and his little sister Courtney First Day of School 1999 Mr. William and Courtney trying to bring Dad down He Only Took My Hand Last night while I was trying to sleep, My son's voice I did hear, I opened my eyes and looked around, but he did not appear He said "Mommy, you've got to listen, You've got to understand, God didn't take me from you, Mommy He only took my hand." "When I called out in pain that day, the moment that I died, He reached down and took my hand, and pulled me to his side." "He pulled me up and saved me from the misery and pain. My body was hurt so badly, I could never be the same." "My search is really over now, I've found happiness within. All the answers to my empty dreams and that might have been." "I love you and I miss you so, and I'll always be nearby. My body's gone forever, but my spirit will never die." "And so you must all go on now, and live, and understand God did not take me from you, he only took my hand." Author Unknown Hi Tammy, I hope this finds you well and happy. I know that this page must mean allot to you. Your Dad and Mom love you so much. You can just tell it in the words PawPaw writes about you. I can see why Mr. Williams was so proud of his Mommy. You are a great and courageous lady and I am proud to know you. Take care and GOD BLESS K.M. (Kathalise) My daughter Katie Lindsey Rose died July 22, 1992, she was just 5 weeks old. I held Katie after she died and can never, would never, forget Katie as a person, our daughter. I also found out how hard it is for so many to talk about the death of your child. Many people find it easier to talk about the death of your mom, dad or your wife or husband than your child. But, this is often a time that you do want to talk or share feelings. I'm hoping in some way my story will help you. After Katie died I had feelings of disbelief, denial, anger, depression, guild loss of appetite, my sleep patterns changed. The doctor came into the room. The operation was over. He sat down and started to tell my husband and I about the surgery. The surgery was over but during the surgery there was a hemoglobin and Katie died instantly. How could I go home without my baby? Shock was not the word for what I felt. Katie's been gone 9 years now. I remember just after she died everyone was right there offering to help me. (Now I'd be lucky if they remember.) Then the people stopped coming, calling; I would see people in the grocery store, and they would look at me, turn their head and walk off, as if I had something contagious that they could catch. I remember a mother had her baby the same time as Katie and her say to me "I'm so glad it was not my daughter." My oldest daughter is growing up and it's starting to get scary because I know I'll never see Katie get married or have children. I feel angry. Like I have been let down by Katie. It's normal to feel let down by the person who died or when you are looking for someone to blame for his or her death. Katie suffered from congenital heart disease. Congenital means inborn or existing at birth. Among the terms you may hear are congenital heart defect, congenital heart disease and congenital cardiovascular disease. The word "defect" is more accurate than "disease". A congenital cardiovascular defect occurs when the heart of blood vessels near the heart don't develop normally before birth. Katie's story is just one of a million parent's stories out there. As I surf the net I found so many, but there is help....I hope my story may have helped just one person to know you are not alone. Rose Desert Rose Poetry Corner I have been to this page many times and could never bring myself to write each time until today. Unfortunately we are kindred spirits and belong to a club we wish no one else to enter. I walk your pain with you as you with mine. I, too, lost a little boy. He had cancer and passed away at age 5 and one half years in October of 1990. I understand your pain. Your beautiful poems above say it all. We must keep our loved ones in our heart and hold on to the day that we shall be with them again for eternity. Until then...my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mary Schmidt Little Angel Sam Your dear Angel Mr. William has touched my heart. I lost a child Jack at age 10 in a tragic fire, I share your pain and know all to well the grief of losing a child. I sent my love and my prayers to you and all of your loved ones. May God bless you all. I know our angels are in Heaven and will never feel pain again, but like you I want to hold him again in my arms. I think of him flying all over Heaven and smiling at me. I feel a kiss on my cheek and it is soft as butterflies wings and I know it is my angel. I know we always have our angels watching over us. A Fallen Limb A link has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, "Grieve not for me." Remember the best times, the laughter, the songs The good of my life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage. I'm counting on you. Keep on smiling and surely, The sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest, Remembering all, how I was truly blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small, Go on with your life, Don't just stare at the wall. I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin, Until the day comes that we're together again. Author Unknown From Patchesangel My Patchesangel.com March 14, 2002 If you would like to submit a message or some poetry to Mr. William's Mommy, please click on the pot of flowers below
The music you are listening to is "If You Came Back From Heaven" recorded by Lorrie Morgan
This page was created just for Mr. William's Mommy, by his Papaw Joe, to let her know how much Nanny and I love her. To thank her for all the time she gave up so Mr. William could spend time with his Papaw. I know she is the best Mother ever, because I was there from the beginning to the end. God knew what he was doing when he picked Tammy to be Mr. William's Mother.
With all our love, Papaw Joe and Nanny
I have a lot of ideas, but that is all they would be if I did not have Cathy Knudtson to bring them to life. There are no words to say how much I think of her, or what she means to me and my family. One thing I do know, she was sent by God. All I can says is, Thank you Cathy.
Joe (Papaw) Anderson
GOD CHOOSES A MOTHER
"I'll lend you for a little time a child of mine" He said, "for you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he's dead.
"It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three. But will you, till I call him back take care of him for me?"
"He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and should his stay be brief. You'll have lovely memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return. But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over for teachers true. And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I've selected you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain. Nor hate me when I come to call him back again?"
I fancied I heard them say: "Dear Lord, thy will be done!" For all the joy thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may. And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay.
But shall the angels call for him sooner than we've planned. We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.
Edgar Guest
They Say
They say that time will heal my heart, I found this is not so. You see, with you, my heart went too, So many months ago They say I must get over this, I have a life to live. You are my life, and to have you back, Oh, What I wouldn't give. They say that you are happy now, In a better place than I. This, my son, I know is true, As tears fall from my eyes. They say that you can hear me now. I hope that this is true. I look and listen, day and night for just a glimpse of you. They say to give it all to God, Do this without delay. But isn't that just what I did, Two years ago today?
I love you! Mommy 11/30/01
I Lost My Child Today
I lost my child today. People came to weep and cry. And I just sat and stared, dry eyed. They struggled to find words to say, To try and make the pain go away. I walked the floor in disbelief. I lost my child today.
I lost my child last month. Most of the people went away Some still call and some still stay. I wait to wake up from this dream. This can't be real. I want to scream. Yet everything is locked inside, God, help me! I want to die. I lost my child last month.
I lost my child last year. Now people who had come, have gone. I sit and struggle all day long, to bear the pain so deep inside. And now my friends just question, Why? Why does this mother not move on? Just last week she seemed so strong. Good heavens, it has been so long. I lost my child last year.
Time has not moved on for me.
My eyes have now cried many tears. And the numbness I fear has disappeared. I see the look of hope upon your face, "She has moved on, and left that place." Yet I still feel trapped right there in time. The songs the same as in the rhyme, I lost my child...today.
No matter how many hours, days or years go by...I will miss you. I will love you. I will think of you. I will be thankful for you. I will remember you.
All my love, Mommy
To Where You Are
Who can say for certain, maybe you're still here. I feel you all around me, your memory so clear. Deep in the stillness, I can hear you speak. You're still an inspiration, can it be?
That you are my, forever love, and you are watching me from up above. Fly me up to where you are beyond the distant star I wish upon tonight to see you smile, If only for awhile to know you're there. A breath away not far to where you are.
Are you gently sleeping here inside my dream? And isn't faith believing? All power can't be seen.. As my heart hold you, just one beat away. I cherish all you gave me, everyday.
Cause you are my forever love, watching me from up above. And I believe that angels breathe, and that love will live on and never leave.
Fly me up to where you are beyond the distant star I wish upon tonight to see you smile, If only for awhile to know you're there. A breath away not far to where you are.
Happy Birthday baby! I love you and miss you with all my heart. Until I can be with you again, remember...too heaven and back again!
Mommy March 6, 2002
Mommy's Know Everything
They told my mommy that I would never be, She would never have a special kid like me. But mommy prayed to God and asked pretty please; Can't you send a special child so he sent her me.
Mommy she knew everything, I was really glad Cause lots of times I'd ask her cause I was just a lad. She knew all the answers and how lucky was I That mommy was the one God chose to sit by my side.
There came a time I got real sick, it made my mommy sad But all I know is that I'm glad she was who I had. To rub my back and hold my hand and tell me it's ok She always knew everything in each and every way.
I know she didn't know this but I heard her pray that God would make it easier if I was to stay. She knew that I was hurting and she let me go Knowing that I thanked her for I loved her so.
I love my mommy oh so much; God gave me to her cause he knew when I was sick I would need someone with nerve. He knew that I would need a soft and gentle touch, So he gave me to mommy who I love so much.
I see her now, I know she knows that I watch her every day. I see her in the twilight when she bows her head to pray. She's asking God to make sure that I am not in pain And that she never ever has to see that again. She knows that I'm here beside her, holding on to her hand. Cause Mommy's know everything and mommy's understand.
I know someday she'll join me, but it's not time just yet, She's got some living to do that she didn't get. She was always there for me every single day and I know my mommy, it would be no other way.
So I just wanted to tell you that I love you so and I know you hated to see me have to go. But when you get discouraged, sad and feeling blue Just know that I'm cloud hopping and waiting just for you.
For Mr. William's Mom Kathalise
A very special and huge Thank You to Kathalise for this beautiful and touching poem she wrote especially for us. Words cannot express our gratitude for her taking the time to compose this poem. It will remain in our hearts. God bless and keep you Kathalise.
This Too Will Pass Away by: Helen Steiner Rice
If I can endure for this minute whatever is happening to me, No matter how heavy my heart is or how dark the moment may be - If I can but keep on believing what I know in my heart to be true that darkness will fade with the morning, and that this will pass away too - then nothing can ever disturb me or fill me with uncertain fear. For as sure as night brings the dawning my morning is bound to appear.
I read this poem over and over. It comforts me in moments when I feel that I will surely die with the amount of pain that has engulfed me. There are so many moments when I want to scream because I want to hold my son and I can't. The only thing I can do is let God carry me through until I can smile again, love again, see the world around me again.
Written by Mr. William's Mommy, Tammy
Mr. William and his Great Aunt Mary Johnson and Mommy 1998
Mommy's birthday 1998. Mr. William made her a T-Shirt with one of her favorite photos. He also got her a cake that said Happy Birthday Mommy and a set of toy golf clubs, which he knew she would give to him. Very smart boy.
Like all little boys, Mr. William sometimes did not want his photo taken, but he never passed up a chance to take a photo with his Mommy
A million times I've missed you, A million times I've cried, If love could just have kept you here You never would have died. My heart is broke in two my son, My arms are empty too Please know that Mommy misses you, and will till time is through. I hope you are happy William, In heaven up above. I hope that you can feel that I send you all my love. Please wait for Mommy darling You know I'll be home soon. Please meet me at the Pearly Gates And take me to your room
I love you Baby! God will tuck you in until he calls me home.
Mommy
Mommy and Mr. William holding his baby Kristi
Dad, Mommy, Courtney and Mr. William - 1999
Mr. William and his little sister Courtney First Day of School 1999
He Only Took My Hand
Last night while I was trying to sleep, My son's voice I did hear, I opened my eyes and looked around, but he did not appear
He said "Mommy, you've got to listen, You've got to understand, God didn't take me from you, Mommy He only took my hand."
"When I called out in pain that day, the moment that I died, He reached down and took my hand, and pulled me to his side."
"He pulled me up and saved me from the misery and pain. My body was hurt so badly, I could never be the same."
"My search is really over now, I've found happiness within. All the answers to my empty dreams and that might have been."
"I love you and I miss you so, and I'll always be nearby. My body's gone forever, but my spirit will never die."
"And so you must all go on now, and live, and understand God did not take me from you, he only took my hand."
Author Unknown
Hi Tammy,
I hope this finds you well and happy. I know that this page must mean allot to you. Your Dad and Mom love you so much. You can just tell it in the words PawPaw writes about you. I can see why Mr. Williams was so proud of his Mommy. You are a great and courageous lady and I am proud to know you.
Take care and GOD BLESS
K.M. (Kathalise)
My daughter Katie Lindsey Rose died July 22, 1992, she was just 5 weeks old. I held Katie after she died and can never, would never, forget Katie as a person, our daughter. I also found out how hard it is for so many to talk about the death of your child. Many people find it easier to talk about the death of your mom, dad or your wife or husband than your child. But, this is often a time that you do want to talk or share feelings. I'm hoping in some way my story will help you. After Katie died I had feelings of disbelief, denial, anger, depression, guild loss of appetite, my sleep patterns changed. The doctor came into the room. The operation was over. He sat down and started to tell my husband and I about the surgery. The surgery was over but during the surgery there was a hemoglobin and Katie died instantly. How could I go home without my baby? Shock was not the word for what I felt. Katie's been gone 9 years now. I remember just after she died everyone was right there offering to help me. (Now I'd be lucky if they remember.) Then the people stopped coming, calling; I would see people in the grocery store, and they would look at me, turn their head and walk off, as if I had something contagious that they could catch. I remember a mother had her baby the same time as Katie and her say to me "I'm so glad it was not my daughter." My oldest daughter is growing up and it's starting to get scary because I know I'll never see Katie get married or have children. I feel angry. Like I have been let down by Katie. It's normal to feel let down by the person who died or when you are looking for someone to blame for his or her death. Katie suffered from congenital heart disease. Congenital means inborn or existing at birth. Among the terms you may hear are congenital heart defect, congenital heart disease and congenital cardiovascular disease. The word "defect" is more accurate than "disease". A congenital cardiovascular defect occurs when the heart of blood vessels near the heart don't develop normally before birth. Katie's story is just one of a million parent's stories out there. As I surf the net I found so many, but there is help....I hope my story may have helped just one person to know you are not alone.
Rose Desert Rose Poetry Corner
I have been to this page many times and could never bring myself to write each time until today. Unfortunately we are kindred spirits and belong to a club we wish no one else to enter. I walk your pain with you as you with mine. I, too, lost a little boy. He had cancer and passed away at age 5 and one half years in October of 1990. I understand your pain. Your beautiful poems above say it all. We must keep our loved ones in our heart and hold on to the day that we shall be with them again for eternity. Until then...my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Schmidt Little Angel Sam
Your dear Angel Mr. William has touched my heart. I lost a child Jack at age 10 in a tragic fire, I share your pain and know all to well the grief of losing a child. I sent my love and my prayers to you and all of your loved ones. May God bless you all. I know our angels are in Heaven and will never feel pain again, but like you I want to hold him again in my arms. I think of him flying all over Heaven and smiling at me. I feel a kiss on my cheek and it is soft as butterflies wings and I know it is my angel. I know we always have our angels watching over us.
A Fallen Limb
A link has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, "Grieve not for me."
Remember the best times, the laughter, the songs The good of my life I lived while I was strong.
Continue my heritage. I'm counting on you. Keep on smiling and surely, The sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest, Remembering all, how I was truly blessed.
Continue traditions, no matter how small, Go on with your life, Don't just stare at the wall.
I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin, Until the day comes that we're together again.
From Patchesangel My Patchesangel.com March 14, 2002
If you would like to submit a message or some poetry to Mr. William's Mommy, please click on the pot of flowers below