Remembering...."Ruby"
(June 2, 1997 - Oct. 17, 2007)


The Greatest Gift
I always knew this time would come
From the very first time our eyes first met
How I loved you then! How I love you now!
I made a promise then and I keep that promise now.

You will not suffer from a pain that will not heal,
You will not know the loss of a life remembered, now gone.
It is for me alone to make this decision.
The price for the bright joy and pure laughter.
You brought me during the time we shared.

I am the only one who can decide when it is time
Just when I need you most, I must let you go.
It is for you alone to tell me when you are ready,
For without your guidance, I will not know
When to lay my grief, my guilt, my anger,
My sorrow and my selfish heart aside
And give you the last gift, the greatest gift.
Your eyes will speak to mine, and I will know.

The pain of this moment is excruciating,
Tears stream down my face in a river of sorrow,
And my heart drowns in a pool of grief.
For you have spoken and I have listened
And unlike other decisions I have made,
This one brings no relief...no comfort...no peace
For if there's one thing I have learned...
Unconditional love has a condition after all.

I must be willing to let you go when you speak to me,
I must accept my pain so you can be free of yours.
Go easily now, go quickly now,
For on this day, more than the rest,
my love and friendship must stand the test.

Do not linger here, it is time for you to leave.
Go find the ones who have gone before you.
You are free to leave me now, free to let your spirit soar.

I pray I will find comfort in my memories...
In the dark and lonely days ahead
I cannot say I will not miss you,
I cannot say I will not cry,
For only my tears can heal my broken heart.

But I promise you this...
as long as I live...You will live
Alive in my mind, forever in my heart
And this will be my greatest gift...

Sending you away
It is the measure of my unconditional love...
For only the greatest love can say
“Goodbye, go find the Rainbow Bridge
and yes, we'll meet again.

Loving you has been the greatest gift of all.”

 In Loving Memory of Ruby
(June 2, 1997 - Oct. 17, 2007)