Our children are our future

We nourish and cherish them

We love without condition

Chastise when necessary and hug regardless

We believe they will always be there

Always in our lives until we die

Always tangible and real

Always there to be comforted and loved

We never expect to lose a child

Never think that they will die

Never believe that they will go before us

Never allow this thought to cross our minds

When it happens we are crushed

Our grief and pain beyond belief

Continuing without them seems impossible

Their departure feels like the end for us

We are left with a void

One which dearly needs to be filled

A huge space in our lives that knows no end

An empty space in our arms which aches

But our life goes on

Our pain eases but never dies

And our child lives on in our hearts

The memories of them stay forever

No more can we hold them

No more can we hear their laughter

No more can we ease their pain

But we will never forget

An old life lost is painful

A young life unbearable

Our hearts are strong

We will heal and pain will ease

The future will get brighter

Life will improve

Time will make things easier

Love will continue.