Sanctioned by God

Just why...we could not keep,
The little one...with all the rest?
And cuddle it so very close,
Upon our yearning breast?

And why we wanted...O so much,
To hold its tiny hand?
Without pangs tearing at the heart,
So we couldn't understand?

Now our longings...linger on,
And comes back with the years.
And in our eyes, there's sadness,
All flooded o'er with tears.

We will often wonder...why?
It seems so very true.
That the little one that is sleeping,
Has our hearts in keeping, too.

It seems so very strange to us,
But to each it is the same.
That we must try to understand,
Just why...they never came?

And why we never held them,
So pure from God above?
And why our song was never sung,
In melodies that come with love?

But now...we both must try to seek,
That unseen guiding power.
To help us travel safely on,
Through every troubled hour.

There must be soothing comfort,
That mysteries have concealed.
And that a deeper...unknown part,
Is still behind a shield.

We have our disappointment,
Our thoughts will stay and trod.
The lighted pathway leading,
In hope and trust to God.


E.P. 1908 - 1989


On this day at 12:00 am - in 1950 Ethel gave birth to a baby girl that she named Marcia. The baby was stillborn.


The following is from Lyman's personal history of those same days:

"March 7 Took Ethel to the hospital where Dr. Ellsworth and nurses worked with her trying to stop the hemorrhages. At 12:00 A.M., Dr. Reese and Ellsworth operated on her and took the baby. Dead.

March 8 I called Roy and Woods and made arrangements. Roy dedicated the grave.

March 9 Went to hospital. Called to see Ada. She gave me $20.00.

March 10 Back and forth to the hospital. Gayle and LaRae came home. Gayle gave a pint of blood. Mrs. Womack called and stayed all night.

March 12 I took LaRae to the hospital where she donated blood. After dinner I took Mrs. Womack into Ada's and the hospital. Gayle was sick with the flu. What we have had!

March 14 Brought Mama home from hospital."