~~~ For Katie ~~~ Poem by Linda Ori

Lord, measure my life by the good and the bad -
The days that were joyful and those that were sad,
The times that were trying and those that were glad,
Yes, measure my life by the gifts that I had;

Lord, measure my life by the friends I held dear -
The ones who were distant and those who were near,
The ones that I touched every day of the year,
Yes, measure my life by those moments of cheer;

Lord, measure my life by the help that I gave -
To those who were fearful and those who were brave,
To those that I lost and the ones I could save,
Yes, measure my life from my birth to the grave;

Lord, treasure the Katie that everyone knew -
She could always be found where the dandelions grew,
And if you were lucky she'd pick you a few,
Yes, measure her life by the things she would do...........

Leave tea for the mailman to help quench his thirst,
Make friends with the tough kids - reach out to the worst,
Take care of her family - they always came first,
Grow beautiful plants from the seedlings she nursed;


Her polenta and ink fish could rival the best,
She prayed for each soul as they laid them to rest,
Each person who met her was truly impressed -
She was a good woman, her life had been blessed.


LJO 2/27/2008