i peered into

an open, wooden

box

and there lay

your lifeless body

lacking your color

lacking your smile

lacking the sight

of your bright

blue eyes

my body trembled

my knees shook

my stomach turned

i wanted to reach

out and touch you

i wanted to see

you breathe again

i wanted to feel

your body warm again

i wanted to hear

your laughter

i can remember

just days ago

hearing your

laughter echo

in my heart

my mind

and my soul

i can remember

seeing your smile

flashing at me

i remember

feeling your arms

wrapped tightly

around my body

and feeling your

heart beat

against my chest

i remember

the last few words

your gentle voice

spoke to me

as you wiped

away my tears

and soothed over

all my biggest fears

You said to me,

"God created an angel the day

that you were born and released

here into the lives of us common

mortals. Anyone who comes in

contact with you knows that they've

been given a gift by having you near

them. Having met a true life angel is

not something we all accomplish in our

lifetime. You are an incredible person

full of life and love. Deep inside you

are full of happiness that's been lost

along the way. Some day, soon, you will

find it again, and I can't wait to see it

happen. Your smile is heart warming and

touches my soul. Use it more. The sparkle

in your eyes is better than any firework display.

You are a true angel, to be treasured.

Don't ever settle for less, and never give

in to someone who doesn't see your magic.

You are loved."

I can still feel

the kiss on my

forehead

that sealed those

tear jerking

words in my

heart and my soul

forever.

11/16/99