My child the time has come, although
I prayed that it wouldn't.
I tried to stop or at least slow time,
but we both knew that I couldn't.
Millions of mothers before me have tried to do it too.
Just one more week, one day, an hour or even a minute or two.
My desire to protect you, to hold you close is strong.
I have to resist the urge, I have known we would come to this place all along.
Standly silently beside you,
I think back and the years all fade away.
I see the child God gave me. I watch
as you grow and as you play.
I relive the first time I had to leave you
~ a large school, a chattering crowd all around ~
You tried your best to smile.
Swallowing the tears, waving, turning to go.
couldn't let you see me break down.
The years came and went, each one bringing something new.
I stood silently beside you and watched as you grew.
The tears were often there as the years flew by.
I can't count the number of times that all I could do was cry.
I know I tried to raise you to make good choices, to stand proud, strong and true.
And although I tried to ignore it, somewhere inside I always knew.
Someday this day would come and there would be nothing I could do.
I've tied a yellow ribbon around the tree you learned to climb,
And each day the flag will wave as time crawls slowly by.
The prayers will be constant and the home fires always burn
There'll be a prayer on my lips
Until your safe return
So go now. We're both trying to be strong. But first just one more touch, one more smile.
I'll stand here and watch you leave, biting back tears, a prayer within.
And mom will be here waiting. Prayerfully waiting, til you come home again.
But my child one last request....
Go With God
~ MJ
