The following poem was written by a dear friend, Laura Ratliff, who is in the middle of challenges most of us cannot even imagine: she is wheelchair bound, her beautiful daughter who is a mother to 3 children is on hospice and living with Laura and her husband, and she deals daily with her own physical pain. Laura has asked the question: “Why do I have these trials?” And laughingly, “Why does God think I’m so strong?” — questions we all ask at times in our lives.

There are good days and not so good days; yet, in the midst of her challenges she poured out her yearning in a poem. I share it with her permission in the hopes that it will bring a spirit of hope, strength, comfort and peace to you as it has to Laura and me.

One request: it is copyrighted so if you wish to share it, please contact me and I will put you in touch with Laura. Thank you.