God knew when the day had come
For you to appear on earth
When you drew your first breath of life
I was there.

God knew you were very special
And I thanked Him, profusely, for you
When you smiled for the very first time
I was there.

God knew which of Life's paths you were taking
Would it be the one He had planned just for you
When you took your first steps upon it
I was there.

God went with you to school, each day
I had asked Him if He would
My first time without you, but in my heart
I was there.

God touched your heart along the way
And you turned your face toward Him
You were baptized in His name
I was there.

God blessed our family through the years
And those years sailed by so fast
You finished school and then you were gone,
I was there.

God's plans are not always easy, we each have
a cross to bear. You accepted yours and some others
And my heart bled as you went on your way
I was there.

God opens my heart to say these words
I love you, my son, and thank you
A blessing from the beginning, I know for
I was there.

God gives us this message, we must listen
"Lo, I am with you, alway";  This will comfort your heart
If you heed it, against the day when
I won't be there.

 -  Dorothy Appleby Turner 9/9/02

          Elko, Nevada