In memory of our dear son and brother, ANDY, who left us just
before Christmas on December 23, 1998. Andy was only 23 years old.
The following is an insert sent from the Dean, Faculty of Engineering,
Ottawa University, a few days after the murder of our son Andy. We thank her
very much for sending it to us. I would like to share it with everyone.
"I'll lend you for a little while
A child of mine," God said,
"For you to love the while he lives,
And morn for when he's dead.
It may be one or three years,
Or seventeen or twenty-three,
But will you'til I call him back,
Take care of him for ME?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you,
And should his stay be brief,
You'll have his wonderful memories
As a solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth returns,
But the lessons taught below,
I want this child to learn.
I've looked the whole world over,
In search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life's lane,
I have chosen you.
Will you give him all your love?
Nor think the labour vain?
Nor hate ME when I come to take
This lent child back again?
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done,
For joys that child will bring,
The risk of grief we'll run!
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for happiness we've known,
Forever grateful stay.
But should Thy angels call for him,
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the grief that comes
And try to understand,
Truly he was God's lent child."
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS,
Mom, Dad, Rod Jr.- Karen and Mike
