They say you don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone or taken away
And that’s certainly been true as I’ve thought of you over these past days.
I’m sorry to say I didn’t value you as I should or as much as you truly deserved,
But now in my mind, and always, your qualities will be treasured and preserved.
I’ll not forget our journey, the valleys and steep paths we climbed this life together,
The storms, the sunshine, the rain, the drought and life’s other forms of weather.
So, as through life, I continue without you, my way to wend,
I count it an honour, privilege and blessing to have been allowed to call you friend.
It’s the little things I remember and that now my attention catch,
As you weren’t one for big and bold, but small and simple with your spirit did match.
A trip to the cinema, café or garden centre, as long as our pace was slow,
A cup of tea and a slice of cake (even if the cake was supposed to be a no-no).
Sitting on your garden furniture with a happy cat by your side or upon your knee
And your uncontained excitement as I brought in our fish, chips and mushy peas for tea.
So, as through life, I continue without you, my way to wend,
I count it an honour, privilege and blessing to have been allowed to call you friend.
Even sitting in hospitals waiting for appointments was an honour and had moments of fun
As you always looked for the positive and joked about which doctor was ‘The One.’
You always brought me a coffee to sip and we fought over who the car park fee would pay
But you allowed me to share the scary moments, listening to what the consultants had to say.
I was with you as you were told about cancer, kidney failure and what they would entail
And watched you endure all that came, never once allowing your faith in God to fail.
So, as through life, I continue without you, my way to wend,
I count it an honour, privilege and blessing to have been allowed to call you friend.
I know you thought I gave you lots but it’s nothing compared to that from you to me,
You taught me what it is to love despite, to live one’s faith daily in truth and humility.
You always cared, supported, remembered, loved and prayed,
I knew I was thought of by you throughout each and every day.
I’ve learnt so much from you about endurance, resilience, trust and love
And most of all constant faith and hope in Him who you now sit with in heaven above.
So, as through life, I continue without you, my way to wend,
I count it an honour, privilege and blessing to have been allowed to call you friend.
So rest now my friend, you’ve run your earthly race
And won your eternal reward for your enduring and unending faith.
I’m not sure how I’ll go on with the gap you’ve left by my side
But I’ll be forever grateful for the laughter and the tears that we together cried.
I thank my God that He brought you into my life all those years ago
And into His gentle arms and heavenly realm, I now let you go.
And as through life, I continue without you, my way to wend,
I will always count it an honour, privilege and blessing to have been allowed to call you friend.