January 13, 1928 - July 30, 2003

If you have lost someone close to you (to the dreaded Alzheimer's disease, perhaps?), this page  is  especially for  you.  Simply another way we can be reminded of the power of our God who created us all for His good pleasure. He has numbered our days, holds us in the palm of His hand, loves  us and has a perfect  plan for each one of us.

Frank and Laura - Bev and Jack and all who loved Ken - this page is meant to celebrate his first year (Earth-time...)  in Heaven! May the word-pictures and the music - and the joyful singing of birds in the heavenlies -  bring  you a measure of peace and comfort...and HOPE!

         When Tomorrow Starts Without Me   

and I'm not there to see if the sun should rise and find your eyes filled with tears for me. I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the way you did today while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say. I know how much you loved me, as much as I loved you. And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me,

please try to understand that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand, and said my place was ready in Heaven far above and  I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,

a tear fell from my eye, for all of life I'd always thought I didn't want to die. I had so much to live for, so much yet to do, it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,

the good ones and the bad. I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while, I'd say goodbye and kiss you, and maybe see you smile.

But then I  realized that could never be,

for emptiness and memories would take the place of me. When I thought of earthly things I must miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through Heaven's Gate,

I felt so much at home! When God looked down and smiled at me from His Great Golden Throne, He said -

I promise no tomorrows, but today will always last. And since each day's a new day, there's no longing for the past.

So, when tomorrow starts without me,

don't think we're far apart. For every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart. 

U.S. Army

Honorable Discharge - 1952

Briefly looking back: The year seems to have passed swiftly,  occasional "tender times" of emptiness from his absence, yet minimal regrets. NEVER would I have dreamed I would need to be the strong one.  I miss him dearly!

About the poem: Author Unknown, but I wish we could know who wrote it! Darlin' daughter, Laura, gave us the poem  on  September 9, 1999, just two months before Ken's first mini-stroke.    Little did we know then why it strummed my heart strings, compelling me to save it!  (Update: 10.8.07 KAREN from California left a message in my Guestbook that the poem was written by David M. Romano, Copyright 1993.)

Creating this page:  Another   bittersweet, but comforting, learning experience.  Mixed emotions to be sure, - topped off by Love, Joy and a deep settled Peace  that is unexplainable!  And because of our Lord's ultimate sacrifice on Calvary I know I will join Ken - "in just a little while!"

Keep Looking Up!

  Mary - 7.30.04

Background Music: Bring Back the Springtime - K. Kaiser

Midi Sequencer Unknown

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