How wonderful that you have so selflessly shared this part of your life with us. Certainly your life along with the lives of your wife and daughter are so much richer for having a friend like Chip. I ran across this poem that just seems to have been written with Chip in mind, and I would like to share it with such wonderful people who have been so blessed to have such a wonderful friend. Although I will pray for Chip, his family and yours as well, I feel that he already has been blessed by the hand of God.
For Chip:
Before I Go
When my life has reached it's very end,
And I take that final breath,
I want to know I've left behind,
Some "good" before my death.
I hope that in my final hour,
In all honesty I can say,
That somewhere in my lifetime,
I have brightened someone's day.
That maybe I have brought a smile
To someone else's face,
And made one moment a little sweeter,
While they dwelled here in this place.
Lord, please be my reminder
And whisper softly in my ear...
To be a "giver", not a "taker",
In the years I have left here.
Give to me the strength I need,
Open up my mind and my soul.
That I might show sincere compassion,
And love to others before I go.
For if not a heart be touched by me,
And not a smile was left behind...
Then the life that I am blessed with,
Will have been a waste of time.
With all my heart, I truly hope,
To leave something here on earth.
That touched another, made them smile
And gave to my life ... worth.
For Chip's family and friends:
Dear Father, as Chip's time on this earth draws to a close, guide him as only you can to the light, the glorious light which shines his way to you. Take him in your loving arms and heal him of his long and suffering ills that he may find Grace and Glory in you. Comfort him as he suffers heavy sorrow at leaving his loved ones behind, help him that he may come to know that by your Grace, Glory and Love that he will one day rejoice in the great reunion with his loved ones. Our Father wrap your loving arms around Chip's loved ones as they walk the long and difficult journey that lay before them, comfort them that they may rise from the pain of this difficult journey and rejoice in their love and memories of your very special child, Chip. Be with them Lord, that they may find peace in the knowledge and faith that one day they too will come home to you. In Jesus name Amen.
I'm Free
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call;
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that place at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared a laugh, a kiss;
Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seems all to brief;
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.