In the Name of God: the Infinitely Merciful, Beautiful, and Beloved Lord

On June 7, 2009, my eldest daughter lost her battle with lymphoma. Today is her 17th birthday.

My Lord my God, my Savior and Grace,
The One Who has the Most Beautiful Face

‘Twas seventeen years since You graced my life
And gave a daughter to a husband and wife

And we watched her grow under Your Love and Grace
Countless times would she put a smile on face

Yet, by Your Will, our time with her was cut short
And terrible grief has gripped this man and consort

But I’ve tried to be strong for all those around
To help soften blow, shield fall to the ground

But it’s hard, my Lord, to be strong all the time
And so, my Lord, be my Strength and Rock Divine

I try to hide my pain and grief
So I can be strong and give relief

I struggle to shield my face from tears
No grief do I carry, it may seem to peers

But it’s hard, my Lord, to be strong all the time
And so, my Lord, be my Strength and Rock Divine

My heart, my Lord, it always aches in distress
For, my Lord, I can no longer have her caress

But crumble I cannot, for I must live on
And be a Rock; for on me, they depend upon

But it’s hard, my Lord, to be strong all the time
And so, my Lord, be my Strength and Rock Divine

Sometimes, my Lord, I want in horror to scream
And let loose such tears that face will gleam

But I can’t, my Lord, for it will not be right
To take away from those around a day so bright

But it’s hard, my Lord, to be strong all the time
And so, my Lord, be my Strength and Rock Divine

I’m trying my best to be as strong as I can
But it’s hard, O Lord, with a loss so grand

Forgive this soul if this complaint is wrong
But it’s hard, sometimes, to be ever so strong

And so, my Lord, be my Strength and Rock Divine
And let Your Love and Grace be forever mine.