A Gift of Hope and Beauty

A dear friend of mine, Britta, wrote this poem for Leslie and I upon hearing of our loss. Its sentiment - that a joyous birth had occurred as well as a tragic death - touched our hearts in a very special way. That in our time of grief we should be congratulated for having brought a darling son into the world had not crossed our minds. The acknowledgement that our baby was born, as well as that he died, was something that I did not know we needed. In offering it, though, Britta gave us room to feel pride and joy in the fact that our long-awaited baby was here in the world, that he lived to fulfil our dream, if only for too short a time.

I am so fortunate to be surrounded by those whose talent and creativity inspires my own. Here is her poem, which she kindly and bravely read for us at Max’s funeral service.

A Gift of Hope and Beauty
By Britta Morrison

A gift of hope and beauty,
of promise and of joy,
of perfection and of innocence,
a gorgeous little boy.

We may not have got to hold you,
or see a tiny smile,
but those who love your parents,
have loved you all the while.

And while you share with angels,
brief memories that you had,
rest assured those left behind
will care for Mum and Dad.

A child of love and beauty,
who saw some hard times through,
things happened sooner than they should
with nothing you could do.

And though it may sound strange,
and we weren’t blessed to know him well,
congratulations on your little man,
dear Leslie and Janelle.