THE LAND OF THE FREE

By Anita Mondragon
 
I wrote the following poem years ago while remembering the passing of my dad and my mother-in-law.  I think of them often…them, and other loved ones that have gone on to be with Jesus.  I still feel the pangs of loneliness from time to time, and yes…even regret at things I failed to tell them while they were here; things that would have meant the world to them.  IF I’d only said them!  Things like, “I love you so much!” … or, “I’m sorry that I hurt you!”  I know they are in a wonderful place, and all the bad, sad things that happened here on earth are far from their minds now.
 
I also wrote this poem for those loved ones that I will leave behind some day.  I don’t want them to be sad at what was said or not said, what was done or left undone.  I want them to know that I have gone on to be with Jesus.  I want them to know that they can see me again IF they will just call on HIS name and ask for forgiveness.  I hope to see you there! -anita
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When you stand before my grave,
And hear birds in the trees nearby;
 
When the Spring morning shakes her rain-drenched hair above,
Don’t be sad!  Don’t weep!  Don’t cry!
 
I’m not really here in this dark, dank place.
I fly with the angels and I stare at the face…
 
The face of the ONE who died, just for me!
And I smile, and I marvel at all that I see!
 
If you could be here, and know what I know,
You’d wish it were YOU that had been called to go! 
 
So, get down on you knees, and ask that your sin
Be washed clean in HIS blood…then, I’ll see you again!
 
On this beautiful shore, where forever we’ll rest…
In the land of the free, and the home of the blest!