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Your child has died and you
need to be heard,
But they don't want to hear
a single word.
They tell you your child's
"with God", so be strong.
They say all the "right" things
that somehow seem wrong.
They're just hurting for you
and trying to say,
They'd give anything to help
take your pain away.
But they're struggling with
feelings they can't understand
So forgive them for not offering
a helping hand.
I'll walk in your shoes for
more than a mile.
I'll wait while you cry and
be glad if you smile.
I won't criticize you or judge
you or scorn,
I'll just stay and listen 'til
your night turns to morn.
Yes, the journey is hard and
unbearably long,
And I know that you think that
you're not quite that strong.
So just take my hand 'cause
I've got time to spare,
And I know how it hurts, friend,
for I have been there.
See, I owe a debt you can help
me repay
For not long ago, I was helped
the same way.
As I stumbled and fell thru
a world so unreal,
So believe when I say that
I know how you feel.
I don't look for praise or financial
gain
And I'm sure not the kind who
gets joy out of pain.
I'm just a strong shoulder
who'll be here 'til the end-
I'll be your Compassionate
Friend.
About the Author:
This poem was written by Steven
Channing after the loss of his daughter Kimberly Susanne Channing, April
15, 1973 - February 23, 1987. He is a former member of The Winnipeg Peer
Counselling Service and started up several Survivor's of Suicide Groups
since Kim's death.
He credits the love, guidance
and understanding of TCF (The Compassionate Friends) in helping him through
a difficult period, and summarizes his work as follows: