In loving memory of Jean Shick Irwin who passed away April 17, 2006.

FOOTPRINTS

One night I had a dream

I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord and

Across the sky flashed scenes from my life.

For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand.

One belongs to me and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of my life flashed before me,

I looked back at the footprints in the sand.

I noticed that many times along the path of my life,

There was only one set of footprints.

I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life.

This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it.

"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,

You would walk with me all the way.

But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life

There is only one set of footprints.

I don't understand why in times when I needed you most, you should leave me."

The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never, never leave you during your times of trial and suffering.

When you saw only one set of footprints,

It was then that I carried you."

(Author Unknown)