"Robbie's 21st Birthday"

For Robbie on His 21st Birthday,
September 8, 2004

So many years now that you’ve been gone,
Yet always you’re in my heart.
I wish that I could understand
Why it was you had to depart.

I often wonder how you’d be now--
This year you’d turn twenty-one--
And I wonder if you’ve continued to age
In heaven, my precious son.

I miss the sweetness of your smile,
And I wish that I could touch
The softness of your hair and cheek.
Oh, my son, I miss you so much!

How I miss the talks we used to have
And the games we used to play!
Life’s not been the same, my precious son,
Since you left that terrible day.

I went out to your grave today
And left flowers, balloons and such,
I sat on your bench and prayed a while—
It doesn’t seem like much.

But it’s all that I can give you now,
When you’re in heaven so far away,
I don’t even know if you can hear
The words I’ve tried to say.

I’ll never know the special joy
Of seeing you full-grown,
But I’m thankful for the years we had
And all the joy we’ve known.

And I look forward to the day
I’ll see you at heaven’s door—
The day I’ll get to hug you again
And be with you evermore!

So, happy birthday, my precious son,
Whom I love eternally.
Though today you’re turning twenty-one,
My baby you’ll always be.

Love always and forever,
Mom