Poem - God's Lent Child

In loving memory of

Sister Camilia Maria Cross

18 February 1992 - 19 August 2010

I'll lend you for a little while, a child of Mine, God said.

For you to love the while she lives, and mourn for when she's dead.

It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three.

But will you till I call her back, take care of her for Me?

She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and should her stay be brief,

You'll have her lovely memories, as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return.

But there are lessons taught down there, I want this child to learn.

I've looked the wide world over in My search for teachers true,

And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give her all your love, nor think the labor vain,

Nor hate Me when I come to call this lent child back again?

I fancied that I heard them say, Dear Lord, Thy will be done.

For all the joy thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter her with tenderness, we'll love her while we may,

And for the happiness we've known, will ever grateful stay.

But shall the angels call for her much sooner than we planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.

~Edgar L Guest~

The beautiful poem above was shared by President Sanders during the funeral service of Sister Camilia this afternoon.