In loving memory of Stephen Jeffery Morris

Footprints

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me."

The Lord replied, "My son, My precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

_____Author Unknown

The first time I ever heard that poem was at Steve J's funeral. And it is so true. Without God, I never could have survived.

When they say that "time heals all wounds" they aren't talking about the REAL deep wounds that losing a child cause. That "wound" is as fresh today as it was 15 years ago.

I often find myself wondering "what if" ... What would he look like now? Would he be tall and lanky,like his Dad? Would he have gone to college? What would he have become? Would he be married by now?....and the questions go on and on. Like I said before the only thing that really helped me was faith. After a lot of soul searching, I came came to this conclusion..."When we give birth to our children we all have hopes & dreams for them. We want them to grow old being responsible, law abiding adults with a deep faith in God. And in doing that, when they grow old and die they will be in Heaven with God!" The thought that gives me comfort is..."Even though Stephen didn't have a chance to grow old he IS in Heaven with God!