Dear Fiona, I was not clever enough to write this, but I have adapted it for you because you left too soon x I will 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 forty-eight or nine. But will you, till I call her back, Take care of her for Me? She'll bring her charms to gladden you, And should her stay be brief. You'll have her lovely memories, As solace for your grief. I cannot promise she will stay, Since all from earth return. But there are lessons taught down there, I want this child to learn. I've looked the wide world over, In 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, Nor think the labour vain. Nor hate me when I come To take her home again? I fancied that I heard them say, 'Dear Lord, Thy will be done!' For all the joys Thy child shall bring, The risk of grief we'll run. We'll shelter her with tenderness, We'll 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've planned. We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, And try to understand Julie xx