I barely knew him

But will miss him so.

His smile, his optimism,

His commitment, that glow.

I barely knew him;

Was I right to have wept,

For a man seldom seen

But in my prayers, daily kept?

Yes, I barely knew him

But was privileged just the same

As others just like me

Who witnessed his faith.

A faith that had carried him

Time and again

Through family turmoil

Of sickness and pain.

A faith that reached out

And touched all that he knew;

Known a year or a month

Or days just a few.

But we thank God that we knew him

Albeit for the briefest of time:

Witnessing his love – for You, Lord

Has enriched all our lives.