As a baby, others cared for me.
They anticipated each daily need.
And held me on their knee.
Where will such good care lead?
As I grew, on the floor, I did crawl
Long before I did try to talk.
Many a time I did fall.
Before I learned to walk.
Steps and ladders I did climb.
Went up each hill and down
I had an adventurous time.
And seldom a reason to frown!
I discovered I could jump a bit.
Over a puddle back to dry land.
Scarcely I had time to sit.
No one needs to hold my hand.
I enjoy being with my pets.
My dogs run before me and after me.
It is a game and no one frets.
The cats do quickly climb a tree.
I like playing with my friends.
Within the safety of our yard.
There is so much to do
and playing isn't all that hard!
Soon off to school I went
And learned so many valuable things.
Wonderful teachers God to me sent
Mountains of information each one brings.
New games I learn in P.E. class
Much about science and our world.
Years in school did too quickly pass
For me, information daily unfurled.
Out in the workforce now I go.
I try various jobs over the years
To a challenge I seldom say no.
A task well done to me brings cheers.
I meet that special man!
We date, then marry in due time.
All this is part of the plan-
Lean years we scarcely had a dime!
We wanted a child, as couples do,
And God sent us just one.
And this we know is true
Couldn't have been blessed with a better son.
Our child grew-went on with life
Learns, plays, works and then
Selects and acquires a charming wife.
They have one daughter, not ten.
My darling spouse dies unexpectedly.
A great shock to one and all!
I will now live independently
And upon my Savior for help call.
I retire from teaching in 1987
To write poetry, read books, too.
Discover retirement isn't heaven!
Was it the same for you?
I've had my share of good health
But it seems to try to end.
I guess it, too, is like our wealth
It "moved around the bend"!
I no longer am able to do all I wish
I cannot jump, climb or run.
Or dive or swim like a fish,
Bit I still find channels of fun.
I moved to a retirement home.
There are many "lost souls" here.
I feel I soon will no longer roam
To visit those I hold so dear.
I use my walker or a cane
To move from here to there.
At times I feel much pain
Getting on or off my chair!
Unexpectedly-a lonely man
Came into my changing life.
He asked me if I can
Become his faithful wife.
Changes are constant for all of us,
As our world, too, does change.
I ponder but didn't fuss
At making my life strange.
Each week I know I do less.
My body is tired and worn!
And now truthfully I do confess
About that I am not forlorn.
The bible tells us what will come.
We one day will be left to be
With parts that no longer "hum"
And others then will care for thee.
Lord, I am ready when you call
And look forward to eternal rest.
I pray I can again stand tall
Knowing I gave my best!
By Lyn Barber
Oct. 27, 2003
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