A beautiful poem for a beautiful girl

In memory of Alana; June 3, 1997 - June 6, 1997

I've spent most of this afternoon reading some of these sad stories and crying. My daughter Alana was born on 3rd June 1997 and died three days later after suffering a lack of oxygen during the labour. Soon I will post the whole story of what happened to us, today I'm too sad to go through it all again, but I would like to share this poem, sent us by a colleague.

Shared by Michelle and Dave Carroll

Date: Tue, 5 Aug 1997

God's Lent Child

"I'll lend you for a little time a child of mine" He said. "For you to love the while she lives and mourn for when she's dead. It may be six or seven years or twenty two or three, But will you, 'til I call her back, take care of her, for me? She'll bring her charms to gladden you, or should her stay be brief You'll have her lovely memories to solace for your grief. I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return but there are lessons to be taught down there, I want this child to learn. I've looked this wide world over in my search for teachers true, and from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you. Now will you give her all your love, not think the labour vain Nor hate me when I come to call and take her 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 her with tenderness, and love her while we may and for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay. But should the Angels call for her, much sooner than we planned We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand."

Our love and best wishes go out to you all.

Michelle and Dave Carroll
Reading, England.