THE DOOR

Each must enter through the door.
I've stood there, once and more,
Regrets then filled my mind.
Missed kisses of loved ones
Hugging my sons good-bye
Yearning for the setting sun.

Lonely hours accepting fate
Heaven smiled on me that night,
Allowing me new light.

Two more children came our way.
Sunrises graced each new day.
A second time I knocked
Feeble and worn, I was.
Too weak to hold my baby
Or bid my children good-bye.

Too faint to perceive death’s door
Gaped wide, its arms to take me.
Heaven smiled that afternoon

A Priesthood blessing full of love,
Lifting me from above
Denying death my fate.
Years have traveled my way since.
Thirty-six hundred fifty days
Renewed faith in so many ways.

Good-byes have I whispered,
Some bitter and some sweet.
My faith has grown with each farewell.

My tasks of life are not yet done,
Someday they’ll be complete.
And on that day I’ll knock once more.
My farewell bittersweet.
Anxious then, I will be to greet
My parents, friends, and kin.

The nail prints in His hands I’ll know
The tokens of His love.
Before my Lord I'll humbly bow
As many have done before
To bathe His feet with tears
As Nephites have of old

His voice I’ll recognize
I’ll listen close and hope to hear
"Well done, my child, come home."