SPECIAL ANGEL  Poncho & Winston Bentley, Poncho, & Winston Kid, my first soulmate. When is it time to say goodbye, To all the love I've known, When is it time to end your pain, And leave me all alone? I've watched you on your good days when I feel your strength renewed; But shortly after little ups, The down days then ensue. We ride this roller-coaster of Emotions as we try, To make it through another day, And yet, I can't deny ... That as I look into your face On days that have been bad, I see a look that beckons me It's tired, and hurt, and sad. The little spark I used to see Behind those loving eyes, Is growing ever clouded By life's cruel inhumane side. I try to see beyond the pain You feel with every step; And softly whisper to myself This may get better yet. If I can bear to watch you Just another day or two; I justify my reasons to Ensure I cling to you. For letting go is harder for The person left behind; It means that if I let you go, I cannot turn back time. Back to the days I long for now, When you were full of life; And every day held promise, And our futures, clear and bright. But now the lights are darkening ... We take it daily now; I cannot see our futures clear Or think beyond this cloud. I think the hardest part in this Is never knowing why, I have to be courageous And I have to say goodbye. For if I let myself admit It's time to let you go; I'd have to face reality Without you ... but I know ... That soon I have to face the Final outcome that I dread, And holding on will only serve To hurt you in the end. You've given such unselfish love For all our time in life, But if I hold too tightly, You'll not move t'ward the light ... On to a better life, where you Can once again be free, Of all the pain and discomfort That holds you here to me. So if I find the courage just to say This last farewell, I hope you will forgive me for The time it took me; still ... I'll hold with me, the memories That in my heart remain, Pray one day, down the road a'ways ... They'll lesson my own pain. Author, Kit McCallum Baby Winston Tender Touches   When would she come? Winston didn’t know. He did not even know his name, On that day so long ago.   When she arrived, he knew it then, The lady with the loving eyes, He ran right up to her with glee, And she scooped him up to his surprise.   Happy Birthday he heard the man say, He didn’t yet know this was “dad”. For he was only eight weeks old, A sweet and loving Siamese lad.   He found the best mommy, he knew, And loved his new home very well. He slept upon her pillow that night, As he would for life his mommy could tell.   He followed her around like a little pup, Bringing his ball for her to throw. Playing fetch was a favorite game, For mommy’s precious little shadow.   Winston would anxiously wait, Whenever his mommy had to go, Excitedly somersaulting upon her return, For the “tummy kisses” she would bestow.   The years went by, and Winston was twelve. His bond with mommy was very strong. His leg was lame and causing him pain, She knew in her heart that something was wrong.   The news was bad, the doctor said. Winston had bone cancer of the worst form. There were no options that could help, There was no magic to perform.   Mommy knew in her shattered heart, The only thing that could be done. Tears of love and pain flowed free, As she held her baby with warm affection. The night before it was time to leave, Winston let his mommy know, He caressed her face with tender touches, As he lay upon her tear soaked pillow.   A special kitty resides at the Bridge, Among doggies, birds, kitties and fishes, Awaiting the day he’ll somersault again, To receive his mommy’s “tummy kisses”.   Sandra Hender Written for Gwen’s “Winston” March 1st, 2007 Sometimes a special angel is chosen to come here To be a part of our lives, to fill our hearts with cheer. To walk among us everyday At home, at work, at play To touch our lives with kindness, to teach us how to love To be a beacon for us, to Heaven up above. They only stay a little while, Sometimes days or years. Our lives seem empty when they go; our eyes are filled with tears. Our hearts and dreams lie shattered like eggshells on the floor, But God opens windows when He closes doors. In their lives is a message of faith and hope and power Believe this even in your darkest weakest hour Death has no mastery over us when we believe in Him Death is a beginning, death is not the end. Eternal life His promise, He told us this is true. Believe in God and serve Him well and He will care for you. He will give you peace when your tears begin to flow, He will touch your heart, so deep inside you know The one you thought was lost, is not really lost at all, They have just gone on before in heed of Heaven's call Gone to God in Heaven where they will safely be Until the Faithful join together for eternity.   In tribute to all the Special Angels who have touched our lives.   Poncho, Winston, & Bentley