Katy's sister, Bayla

And for my wife....

Your face is too dear for the stain of a tear
And your smile is the sun in my sky....

A Prayer for My Mother’s Birthday

Lord Jesus, Thou hast known

A mother's love and tender care

And Thou wilt hear, while for my own

Mother most dear I make this birthday prayer.

 

Protect her life, I pray,

Who gave the gift of life to me.

And may she know, from day to day,

The deepening glow of Life that comes from Thee.

 

As once upon her breast

Fearless and well content I lay.

So let her heart, on Thee at rest,

Feel fears depart and troubles fade away.

 

Her every wish fulfill,

And even if Thou must refuse

In anything, let Thy wise will

A comfort bring such as kind mothers use.

 

Ah, hold her by the hand,

As once her hand held mine,

And though she may not understand

Life's winding way, lead her in peace divine.

 

I cannot pay my debt

For all the love that she has given.

But Thou, love's Lord, wilt not forget

Her due reward – bless her in earth and heaven
                                                   Henry Van Dyke