he paused to stand

as he took his class ring

off her hand

all who were watching

did not speak

as a silent tear

ran down his cheek

and through his mind

the memories ran

of the moments they walked

and ran in the sand (hand and hand)

but now her eyes were so terribly cold

for he would never again

have her to hold

they watched in silence

as he bent near

and whispered the words

"I LOVE YOU" in her ear

he touched her face and started to cry

as he put on his ring and wanted to die

and just then the wind began to blow

as they lowered her casket

into the snow

this is what happens to man alive

when friends let friends

If you find yourself stuck in traffic;

Don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work;

Think of the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad;

Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend;

Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance;

Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror;

Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful.

There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness,ignorance, smallness or insecurities;

Remember, things could be worse.

Comfort on difficult days,

Smiles when sadness intrudes,

Rainbows to follow the clouds,

Laughter to kiss your lips,

Sunsets to warm your heart,

Gentle hugs when spirits sag,

Friendships to brighten your being,

Beauty for your eyes to see,

Confidence for when you doubt,

Faith so that you can believe,

Courage to know yourself,

Patience to accept the truth,

And love to complete your life.

I asked the Lord to bless you

As I prayed for you today

To guide you and protect you

As you go along your way

His love is always with you

His promises are true,

You know He will see us through.

So when the road you're traveling on

Seems difficult at best

God will do the rest.

While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence.  On arriving he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands.  When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation.  His tanned face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.  

Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.  Oh, that's my trouble tree," he replied. "I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, those troubles don't  belong in the house with my wife and the children. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home and ask God to take care of them. Then in the morning I pick them up again." Funny thing is," he smiled", when I come out in the morning to pick 'em  up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before."