I'LL LEND YOU A CHILD
(author - unknown)

I'II lend you a child for a little time, a child of mine,' God said,
For you to love the while he lives and mourn when he is dead.

It may be two or twenty four years, or only two or three,
but will you, till I call him back, take care of him for Me?

He'll bring his charm to gladden you, and should his stay be brief,
you will have such lovely memories, to comfort you in your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay, since all to earth return,
but there are lessons taught down here, I want this child to learn.

I have looked the world wide over in my search for teachers true,
and from throngs that crowd life's many lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labour vain,
nor hate me when I come to call, to take him back again?

We fancied that we heard them say - Dear Lord they will be done!          
For all the joy thy child will bring, the risk of grief we run.

We will shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may,
and for the happiness we have now, forever grateful stay. 

But shall the angels call for him, much sooner than we planned,
we shall brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand!

Love Aunty Leonie & Uncle Kim Airdrie
30th Aug 2006