The Dedication Page (for Garrett)

I don’t know if I can do it

but I promise I’ll try

And hope your mom forgives me

for making her cry.

Today is your birthday

but you are not here

So we’ll remember you fondly

with memories dear.

When you were a toddler

we never understood

What it meant, or why

the only thing you said was “noods.”

As you grew older

so did your sharp tongue

But we always loved you

though your words sometimes stung.

There are things I wish

I had said to you

But your prickly nature

made it hard to get through.

You were so smart

your smile so bright

When it wasn’t hidden

in your dark teenage night.

We miss you today

and we’ll miss you tomorrow

But we are grateful for God’s comfort

in our sorrow.

Someday we will see you —

there’ll be an end to the grief

Until then we’ll remember you well

and know that death is a thief.

Garrett, you shouldn’t have gone away.

We all loved you and love you still.

— Aunt Sandy