Rise and Shine

"Rise and shine!" Mom always said. "It's time to get up and out of bed.
The days are short and the winter's long. You better hurry up and get along."
The seasons passed. They passed her by and Mom would sit alone and cry.
She cried for days we kids were young. She longed to see the morning sun.
"Rise and shine! Get out of bed!" I miss those words, those words she said.
The seasons passed. They pass me by. At times I sit alone and cry.
Each tear lets go a memory of happy days as family.
I've learned a lot since I was born. I learned there are times we each will mourn,
but I also learned that God is there - holding me close and hearing my prayer.
One day we'll hear our Father say, Rise and shine! Today's the day!"
Then He'll come and take our hand and explain our lives were as He planned.
He'll take us home to heaven above and there we'll be with those we love.
"Rise and shine! Get out of bed! The best is yet to come," He said.

Mom

I sit here and remember, Mom, how much you've given me;
The many times you put me first for all the world to see.
You always went without and asked nothing in return.
I'm sure you were exhausted night and kept hoping I would learn.
You tried to teach me love by giving unselfishly.
You never told a lie to teach me honesty.
By never giving up on me you taught me to be strong.
The many rules that you enforced helped me to get along.
Of all the things you taught me, Mom, and the one I hold most dear
is your faith in God the Father and that He is always near.
You said He'd never leave me when my days were dark and sad -
that the sun would light tomorrow and my heart will soon be glad.
So today I want to tell you that God has given me,
the BEST Mom I could ask for and that's you  undoubtedly!!

I'll Let You Go

I know my Mom is dying and I have to let her go,
but if you would please help me because I love her so.
You were here at the beginning and you're here now at the end,
but I've had her all these years and she is my closest friend.
Please let me be beside her so she doesn't die alone.
I'd like to hold her hand as you come to take her home.
Thank you so much, Father, for the time you let us share.
You are my Precious Savior and I know how much you care.
The time is soon approaching as I sit upon her bed.
I put her hand in my hand and this what I said,
"I love you, Mom, I'll let you go. God is reaching out His hand.
I'll miss you so, but we both know that you life went just as planned.
I'll say good-bye for now, Mom, 'cause I know we'll meet again.
Jesus died and conquered death so this life is not the end.

(God answered my prayer. I did hold my Mom's hand and rubbed her head as she died.)  

Heaven

Faithful servant, it's time to go. Your time on earth is through.
You finished the task that you were given so let me take care of you.
There are friends and family you haven't seen for days and some for years.
Come let us go. Your reward awaits. There's no need for you to fear.
It's okay. Do not worry. I will stay behind and take care of those you love.
They'll cry when you're gone, but they'll also know that you're safe now up above.
Heaven is the place where you all will unite, but for now it waits for you.
Others will come when there time is up and they finish what they were born to do.
Your body wore out so it's time to go. Close your eyes and take my hand.
The angels are hosting a party for you. I'm not sure what else they all planned!
Open your eyes! You're finally home. Gather 'round... Anna's arrived!
Excuse the cheering and joyous song, but they too were very surprised.
Here comes your son: he's been counting the days until he'd see you face to face.
He's longed for the touch of his mother's arms and the love that they embrace.
Here comes your mom and great grandma, too.
There are others farther than you can see.
Don't worry you will miss someone you love because you now have eternity.
Welcome home, loving daughter, I'm glad you're here. You've been faithful to the end.
Angels - tone down the drums so earth won't fear that a big storm again I will send!
Anna - there's someone else whose been waiting for you. It's Jesus, My Beloved Son.
Here he comes now with open arms. My will for your life is now done.

Copyrighted poems by Sue Lueck Carlson in memory of Anna Lueck, my Mom. - 8/22/2008