Christopher...

You said, “Hello”
And with a smile
You lit my world
For just a while

“Can I help?”
“Sure!” I replied
as willing hearts
worked side by side.

“Do you like cows?”
“Why, yes I do.”
And dreams of
Future ranches grew.

Through jokes and hugs
Our friendship walked
Then games and cards
But mostly we just talked.

“I’m sorry.” You said.
“I know.” I replied.
“There’s a cowboy in Heaven”
(I tried not to cry)

“You know,” you said.
“Heaven’s a nice place
and someday you’ll get to
see his face.

“My Mimi’s in Heaven”
you continued to say.
“Hey maybe they will
meet some day!”

“Hey Jewel, guess what..
I’m nine today!”
“What did you wish for?”
“I really can’t say.”

“You can’t tell your wish
or it won’t come true.”
So you sat there and colored
A armor tank blue.

With popcorn and laughter
And stories to share.
You helped everyone’s day
Have a little less wear.

“I’m sick” you said.
“I know” I replied.
“My heart’s not working right.”
(I almost cried)

We hugged..we laughed
And we talked some more.
I decorated the tree
As you directed from the floor.

Time passed, I moved on
To bring on new change.
But your smile and stories
In my heart remained.

“Deb,” I called “I’m having
Christopher withdrawal.”
“Come over,” she said
“and stay awhile.”

So we talked and played
Then we worked on a puzzle
And in the mornings we
Walked Old Yeller in his muzzle.

“Hey Jewel…what are you reading?”
“My Bible” I said.
“Want to hear a story?” and he
nodded his head.

We talked about Noah
Of Daniel and such.
Then he shared about lions
Of which he knew much.

Then on went the Food Channel
“Man that looks good!”
“Hey mister,how about a corn-dog?”
“Later Jewel …not yet.”

We walked, we rocked and I’d sing
You a quiet song as we waited
For your Mom or your Dad
to come home.

“I’m in pain” you said.
“I know” I replied
“I don’t want to die”
(I’d choke back my cry.)

“But if I go,
will you do something for me?”
“Anything” I whispered.
“Pray for my family”

My phone rang the next Saturday morn.
“Chris is gone…no more pain”
(only broken hearts remain)

We each live to be our purpose …
Most with loss.. but
Some with success.
Lord …I thank you because,
You let me know one of your best.

My life was blessed to know my young but wise friend “Christopher Joseph Schindler”…….
Our friendship was born in November 2000 ….and will continue in heaven.

Jewel Elaine Uhl-Chambers (Deer Park, TX ) 11.04.2004

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