You told me not to drink, Mom, so I drank soda instead.

I really felt proud inside, Mom, the way you said I would

I didn’t drink and drive, Mom, even though the others said I should.

I know I did the right thing, Mom, I know you are always right.

Now the party is finally ending, Mom, as everyone is driving out of sight.

As I got into my car, Mom, I know I’d get home in one piece.

Because of the way you raised me, so responsible and sweet.

I started to drive away, Mom, but as I pulled out into the road.

The other car didn’t see me, Mom, and hit me like a load.

As I lay there on the pavement, Mom, I hear the policeman say.

The other guy is drunk, Mom and now I’m the one who will pay.

I’m lying here dying, Mom. I wish you’d get here soon.

How could this happen to me, Mom? My life just burst like a balloon.

There is blood all around me, Mom, and most of it is mine.

I hear the medic say, Mom, I’ll die in a short time.

I just wanted to tell you, Mom, I promise I didn’t drink.

It was the others, Mom, the others didn’t think.

He was probably at the same party as I.

The only difference is, he drank and I will die,

Why do people drink, Mom? It can ruin your whole life

I’m feeling sharp pains now. Pains just like a knife.

The guy who hit me is walking, Mom, and I don’t think it’s fair.

I’m lying here dying and all he can do is stare.

Tell my brother not to cry, Mom. Tell Daddy to be brave.

And when I go to heaven, Mom, put “Daddy’s Girl” on my grave.

Someone should have told him, Mom, not to drink and drive.

If only they had told him, Mom, I would still be alive.

My breath is getting shorter, Mom. I’m becoming very scared.

Please don’t cry for me, Mom. When I needed you, you were always there.

I have one last question, Mom, before I say good bye.

I didn’t drink and drive, so why am I the one to die?

picture of God's wings. After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park,

forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's

damage. One ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes, perched

statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the

eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick.

When he struck it, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead

mother's wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had

carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under

her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise.

She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. When

the blaze had arrived and the heat had singed her small body, the mother had

remained steadfast. Because she had been willing to die,

so those under the cover of her wings would live.

There’s perfect joy and beauty In this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief are over, Every restless tossing passed;

I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last.

Did you wonder I so calmly Trod the Valley of the Shade?

Oh! but Jesus’ love illumined Every dark and fearful glade.

And He came Himself to meet me In that way so hard to tread;

And with Jesus’ arm to lean on, Could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must not grieve so sorely, For I love you dearly still;

Try to look beyond earth’s shadows, Pray to trust our Father’s will.

There is work still waiting for you, So you must not idle stand;

Do your work while life remaineth- You shall rest in Jesus’ land.

When that work is all complete, He will gently call you home;

Oh, the rapture of the meeting! Oh, the joy to see you come!

"For you to love the while she lives And mourn for when she's gone.

"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 these precious memories, As a 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 this whole world over, In my search for teachers true.

And in the crowds that throng life's land, I have selected you.

"Now will you give her all your love Not think the labour vain,

Nor hate me when I come to call To take her back again?"

It seems to me I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done.

For all the joys 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 Forever grateful stay.

"And should the angels call for her Much sooner than we've planned,

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