Twenty-four's Too Young To Die

Author's Note 2007: In November of 2004 I lost someone very dear to me. As the anniversary of her death approaches I find my thoughts going more and more to her. It is for this reason I have decided to re-post this item...the way I originally had it. This was written just after I heard the news. I still cry when I think of that horrible time. This is for Miranda.

Author's Note:In an age where blended families are becoming the norm, it is my opinion that "blood"--DNA--is not the only thing that makes someone a part of your family. I dislike hearing, "Oh they aren't really family, we don't share the same blood". It upsets me very much.

Of course, if we share the same DNA we are related. That goes without saying. However, I believe there are people who are family because of they own a special place in our hearts. I have told my children: "There is family of the blood, and family of the heart...and if you are really lucky...family of both."

Over twenty years ago, a young family came into my life. I had just finished College...for the first time and with no job prospects in sight and a student loan knocking at my door, I took a job "babysitting". Little did I know that this would be the beginning of a friendship that has lasted all these years.

The generosity of this couple was unbelieveable. They took me into their home and hearts. They were willing to share their children with a young woman who didn't think she would be blessed with any of her own. Their kindness knew no bounds. They became family to me. Their children like my own.

Eventually, I was blessed with two girls. Each are loved "the same" but "different" (This is what I tell them when they ask me, "who do you love the best"). They are precious.

The heart has a large capacity to love, and I believe the more you love the more you can love. In this heart of mine, there are chambers that belong to these three children. While they are not related to me by blood, my heart calls them family. When one in a family hurts, we all hurt. Right now, a wonderful family is hurting because one member of it has died. My tears flow as I write this...my heart shares in their grief.

I have two beautiful daughters
Gifts God gave me
But before they were born
I loved another three

Told I wouldn't have any babies
Of my own to hold so dear
I felt so blessed to have
Three others I held near

A girl, a boy, a girl
Three little gifts from above
And a wonderful mother and father
Who were wlling to share their love

Called "my other babies"
Not from my body, but of my heart
The years didn't change that love
Even when we lived so far apart

Yes they were my other family
Three kids, a mom, and a dad
I loved them all very much
One reason today I am sad

Yesterday the phone did ring
With news that broke my heart
"Miranda died last night"
Was the news they did impart

A pain ripped right through me
Like none ever felt before
"Oh dear God no!" I cried
As my knees hit the floor

Too far away to be there
To help them in their grief
Just made the pain much worse
Left me without relief

No way to comfort a family
Who gave me years of joy
To hug the mom and dad
Or the other girl and boy

And so my heart is broken
For them...and yes me too
I only wish I could ease their pain
And help them make it through

This is a time of great sorrow
A time when we need to cry
It's so hard to believe she's gone
Twenty-four's too young to die


In loving memory of Miranda
February 1, 1980-November 19, 2004

Three years later...

ID: 1338717   (Rated: E) Raining Rainbows  Written using title prompt from Kansaspoet's contest. by Duckie