"Should You Go First and I Remain..."

A few weeks ago as I was staying with my dad and mom and providing care for them while they both were off-their-feet, so to speak, they were telling me about a poem they both like. I believe it is also a song. Anyway, my parents were telling me how deeply the words touch their lives as a married couple.

So, I found the full piece online and read it aloud to them on a snowy Wednesday morning, January 29, 2014. All three of us were weeping at the end. So, here's where you surrender to tears that are tender:  

Should you go first and I remain
To walk the road alone,
I'll live in memory's garden, dear,
With happy days we've known.
In spring I'll wait for roses red,
When fades the lilac blue,
In early fall, when brown leaves call
I'll catch a glimpse of you.

Should you go first and I remain
For battles to be fought,
Each thing you've touched along the way
Will be a hallowed spot.
I'll hear your voice, I'll see you smile,
Though blindly I may grope,
The memory of your helping hand
Will buoy me on with hope.

Should you go first and I remain
To finish with the scroll,
No length'ning shadows shall creep in
To make this life seem droll.
We've known so much of happiness,
We've had our cup of joy,
And memory is one gift of God
That death can not destroy.

Should you go first and I remain,
One thing I'd have you to do:
Walk slowly down that long, lone path,
For soon I'll follow you.
I'll want to know each step you take,
That I may walk the same,
For someday down that lonely road
You'll hear me call your name.

By A.K. Rowswell

Grateful