Beloved infant daughter of Vince and JoAnna Parente
Baby sister of Jacob and Grace
She was born and died on June 15, 1998
Forever in our hearts, she's now in our Heavenly Father's home.
When you come into my garden
You'll see the flowers there
And yes I'm very proud of them
My roses are most fair.
They grow so wild and beautiful
Sending perfume to the skies
I know you'll think them lovely
I'll hear envy in your sighs.
And if I didn't tell you
You would never know
Of another rosebush I once had
And how I watched it grow.
So strong it was and promising
I knew before too long
I'd have a lovely show of blooms
But I was proven wrong.
The day I waited for arrived
I saw it shining there
A single perfect rosebud
On my bush that once was bare.
What color would the flower be
When I gazed upon its face
I pictured it with ribbons
Surrounded by some lace.
I couldn't wait to see it
I was hoping eagerly
For a bouquet full of flowers
But it was not to be.
My rosebud never opened up
It clenched its petals tight.
I'll never share its sweet perfume
Or see its colors bright.
I don't know why it happened
I guess I never will
There's a space now in my garden
You can't see, but I can't fill.
Friend, admire all my roses
But in your heart please leave some room
For my much-loved little flower
The bud that didn't bloom.
Please e-mail JoAnna Parente if you use it--
I'd love to know who has been touched by this poem and my daughter's life and death.