Life is a winding pathway from the beginning to its end
One that you can choose to walk alone or with loved ones and friends.
For me, only one choice, that of with others sharing the amazing view
As through valley and over mountain to my pathway I stayed true.
Even when the walk was hard and I felt I’d had my fill
I asked family and friends to walk with me – and they said they will.
Each of us knows not where our path will take us or who we will meet on the way
But for many encounters and views experienced and shared I have given thanks every day.
For the scenery has been breathtaking when I stopped to pause and look
As I surveyed mountain peak, luscious vales and crisp babbling brooks.
And appreciated God’s creatures hidden away and the morning bird’s trill
I asked creation to walk with me – and it said it will.
And then I found another pathway joining mine which alongside me sought to stay
And as I looked into the distance it seemed from my side not to stray.
This was your pathway my love, your footsteps walking in harmony with mine
As you brought to me the wonder of love’ s golden sunshine.
I always held dear the moment you gave me the deepest thrill
As I asked if you would walk with me – and you said you will.
It was as though before you came beauty was invisible to my sight
But your presence itself, let alone your touch, brought all clearly into the light.
You showed me how to see the world and its beauty as God had always intended
Love in its purest form with integrity, wisdom and honour defended.
I did not notice so much the pain of climbing up steep and craggy hills
As I asked if you would continue walking with me – and you said you will.
And then there were smaller paths alongside ours as we shared the miracle of birth
And over our children shed many a tear, both of sadness and of mirth.
For they are holy blessings bringing joy beyond even our wildest dreams
As we have watched them grow from tiny steps, through childhood and their teens.
For ours was the pleasure to guide them and even foot their bills
As our children asked us to walk with them – and we said we will.
I know I will miss watching them step out and growing up in grace
But I ask you my love and my friends to watch over them in my place.
For I trust you to share with them your wisdom, love and immeasurable care
So that they can hear my voice as though I was still there.
For they are my precious treasures and I want you to keep them safe from ill
And I know that as I ask you to walk with them – you say you will.
I have valued the many friends I have met as our paths repeatedly met and passed
Just as though on a theatre’s stage, one amazingly large cast.
Each of you played your part with, from us, little direction or cue
Almost as though following a heavenly script in which you knew exactly what to do.
Friends your love and friendship has through the darkest moments helped keep our hearts still
As we asked you to walk with us – and you said that you will.
I am grateful for the many chances given for me to reach beyond myself
For they, more than money, are the symbols of my wealth.
You all have contributed to help me become the person I was
So please do not be bitter or dwell long over my loss.
I know at the moment it may feel like your emotions are going through the mill
But I’ve asked God if He will walk with you – and He says He will.
Although I am no longer there in person know my love lives on in your hearts
So nurture it and take good care of it as to others it you impart.
For my love is the gift I leave with you, look closely and you’ll see it in each other’s eyes
For although my body has gone, my love is the part of me that never ever dies.
I know for some, your hearts at this moment don’t feel warmth but rather a chill
But I have asked God to walk with you – and He says He will.
So trust Him to guide you and lead your pathway from present darkness into future light
And as you come up from the vale He will bring more heavenly views into sight.
For although my pathway has turned away from yours and over the mountain top has come
Yours still has seasons to go through with crisp autumn winds and beautiful summer sun.
And though I can’t be with you as your pathway takes you towards and over your own hill
I’ve asked God if He will walk with you – and He says He will.