One moment life was bright and fair
With sunshine and joy everywhere
And never a hint that a storm would come
Lashing the fiber of our faith
With unsurmountable pain
As our life came crashing down.

One misstep and the gun found its mark
And our loved one was shot in the dark
With no one aware
But with waning strength he made known
The severity of his wound.

Young sons terrified and afraid
Kept calm and did as their Father said.
Neighbors were summoned to come to their aid.
Medical attendants feared the wound was mortal
But surgery showed vital organs were not hit
But continued life would only be if God saw fit.

Later surgery showed deadly infection was pervasive
And all hope for healing was dashed.
I prayed, "Dear Lord, please don't take him away.
We love and need him to stay
For how can we go on
Without our Dad and spouse who is precious and dear."

While praying hope was born again
One bright moment
When peace entered my spirit
Making me know God would prevail
And my loved one would once again be well.

There were difficult days,
Weeks and months ahead
But hope carried me through
And I never faced a day with dread
For I knew brighter days were to be
And joy would return for my dear one and me.

A miracle God did perform in time
Guiding the doctors to save this precious life.
Our life was different but still good
As we adjusted with gratitude
That our family was whole again.

I remember that one bright moment
When God heard my plea
And sent sweet peace to fill my anguished soul
Letting me know He would always be there for me.
In time God did take my husband home with Him
But more years to love and share were mine
And I praise God for blessings He gives
Every day I live.

ŠJane Ward Smith
November 3, 2009
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