The Hope Chest

 Together StillLet me hold your hand as we go downhill.We ''ve shared our strength and we share it still.It hasn''t been easy to make the climb,But the way was eased by your hand in mine.Like the lake, our life has had ripples too. Ill health, and worries and payments due.With happy pauses along the way.A graduation, a raise in pay.At the foot of the slope, we will stop and rest, Look back if you wish, we ''ve been truly blessed. We''ve been spared the grief beingBy death, or divorce, or a broken heart.The view ahead is one Just a little bit farther, and then we can rest.We move more slowly, but together still.Let me hold your hand asWe goDownhill.In 1969, Daddy brought this poem home to mama one day from work. He cut it out of a magazine, wrote a personal note on it and framed it for her. From that day forward, wherever they went, mama packed this poem in its frame and took it with her. Since her death, we have looked everywhere for the original poem and it''s nowhere to be found. I kinda think mama has it with her. KarenDaddy''s personal note to mama was:"Blessed to have shared this journey together."