No. 253 - SHOULD YOU GO FIRST

No. 253

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

SHOULD YOU GO FIRST

Its been said there are only two things for certain in this life: death and taxes. While death is a certainty of each of us, in many cases it is a traumatic experience for those who are separated from their loved ones. Because of this, it is vital that we find comfort in these times of our greatest need.

Each week in our Sunday Log Cabin Democrat, there is a section featuring couples celebrating wedding anniversaries commemorating lengthy terms of marriage, some as many as sixty years and even more. Now it goes without saying, for a couple to celebrate sixty years of marriage they either had to get married very young or they had to live to be very old. With the current divorce rate in our country around fifty percent, these people are fast becoming an endangered species.

There is something beautiful about a couple who has been able to stay together through thick and thin for many years. In the vast majority of cases, one marriage partner lives longer than the other and this leaves one partner alone, save for family and friends, but sometimes they are all alone. Some time ago I ran across a beautiful poem written by Rosey Roswell titled Should You Go First and I believe it will bring comfort to you or someone you love.

SHOULD YOU GO FIRST

Should you go first, and I remain, to walk the road alone; Ill live in memorys garden dear, with happy days we have known. In spring Ill wait for roses red, when fades the lilac blue. In early fall when brown leaves call, Ill catch a glimpse of you. Should you go first and I remain, to finish with the scroll; No lengthening shadows shall creep in,to make this life seem droll.

Weve known so much happiness dear, weve known our cup of joy; and memory is one gift of God, that death cannot destroy. Should you go first, and I remain, for battles to be fought; Each thing you have touched along the way, will be a hallowed spot. Ill hear your voice, Ill see your 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, one thing Id have to do. Walk slowly down the path of death, for one day, Ill follow you. Ill want to know each step you take, that I may walk the same. For someday down that lonely road, youll hear me call your name.

One day recently the phone rang and it was a lady who wanted to know if I could help her find one of my columns that ran about three years ago. She told me that it had come at a time soon after her husband passed away and that it was so comforting to her. In searching through her keepsakes she couldnt find it and she wanted to send it to a friend in another state who had recently lost her husband.

While Im not sure I found the right one, it made me realize that many, many people across our nation also need the comfort that words like these can bring. If you are a young person you may not be able to relate to this poem unless you have just lost someone close to you. Whats important to know is that God loves us and that someone cares.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)