“The Heart of Many Lions . . .”
 

As I watched you, helpless in your infancy,
I never imagined I would one day be helpless to ease your pain.

I held you in my arms and watched you grow,
and never dreamed you wouldn’t reach your final height.

I comforted you as you cried,
never dreaming one day it would be I who cried for you.

I held your hand as you learned to walk,
and never dreamed you’d take your final step before me.

I watched you make plans for your future,
not realizing your dreams would end so soon.

As the years flew by,
I taught you things and watched you learn from others,
never realizing that in the end, it would be I who learned from you.

Through all the pain and fear,
you were more of a man than most men could ever even hope to be.

Your courage and positive outlook set an example for everyone you met
. . . and some you never would.

Those of us you left behind struggle to honor your memory with courage,
but my courage pales next to yours.

You truly had the heart of many lions, mi hijo.

When it is my turn to take that final step and we meet again,
I hope that I’ve been half the person you have been . . .
 

 Tobey Dale
 08/29/99

Dear Mom,

                         To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
                        But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
                    I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.

                   Here, there's no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.

                       Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
                    Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.

                   That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
                  God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.
               It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.

                        As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.
                    There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

                      God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do,
                      And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.

                    And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight
                      God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

                   When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
                   Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
                   But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain. Remember
                       there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

                        I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
                           If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.

                       But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is
                        over. I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

                     There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to
                    climb; But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

                       It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
                     That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
                        If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
                   Then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."

                      And now I am contented....that my life was worthwhile.
                    Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.

  So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way
                                            you go.

                     When you're walking down the street and you've got Me on
                  your mind; I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

   And when it's time for you to go....from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going.....you're
                                       coming here to Me.

            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.

                                          Love always,

                                           Max