THANKSGIVING
   by Judy Dickey


I give thanks, Lord, for
Time
The time I had with Tim, time 
   to grow and learn even when I'm no
   longer young, and time which will one
   day reunite me with my child.

Friends           
Those that I've known that
   time had taken from me, those I cherish
   now, and those I've yet to meet.

Answered Prayers           
I asked for comfort and strength to face what I must 
face and
   you answered me  
   maybe not the way
   I wanted, but you always answered me.

For Family           
And I find my family expanding with each day.  
   I find relatives need not always be family, 
   and family need not always be relatives.  Love 
makes
   families
    not bloodlines.

For the Children          
Those remaining  
   mine and
   everyone else's.  And for the ones that
   remain only in memory.

For Love           
Love that's been given me so
   freely from hearts that were broken like
   mine but still could offer me strength and hope
        For all of you,
I thank God.


Reprinted from *Bereavement Magazine* 
November / December 1987

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