The Homecoming

When I married Analia, I inherited a second family. Not just hers but some dear friends of hers, the McCoys. They have come to be very much like family to me and it has been fun to watch their children grow and get married and start their families.

About nine and a half years ago their oldest daughter, Trish, had a beautiful little boy named Timmy. It wasn't until he was about nine months old that they discovered that he had a rare and fatal form of Muscular Dystrophy caused by a genetic disorder. Timmy was not expected to live much more than three or four years.

But this brave little family struggled to take care of Timmy's every need. And nine years later Timmy was still with us even though the desease continued to progress. Then on October 1, 1994 while Timmy was suffering with what for most of us would be a "slight cold", his body gave up and he passed from this life.

Analia and I traveled to Sacramento to be with the family for the funeral. I was really impressed by how many lives this little boy had touched and the profound effect that he had had on so many. I began thinking what it must have been like on the other side of the veil when Timmy came home to those who loved him there. I believe strongly that when children die they go straight back to their Father who gave them life.

This poem is my thoughts on what it might have been like when Timmy returned home.

Gale L. Wolfenbarger

10 October 1994

The Homecoming

When is Timmy coming home?

The cherubs asked one day.

It seems to us so very long

Since first he went away.

You said his mission would be quite short

The day he went to earth.

We've waited now for nine long years

Since the day of Timmy's birth.

He has two loving righteous parents.

Each day their faith grows stronger,

They have prayed to keep him there

With them a little longer.

They love him so, their hearts will break

When finally he must go,

And Timmy has a mission there

As each of you should know.

What can he do with legs so weak

He cannot run or play?

What does he do to fill his time

From morning 'til end of day?

He touches hearts, my little ones,

As only he can do.

He teaches love to all he meets

As once he taught to you.

Some are sent to serve on earth

And lift the heavy load.

Others are the ones they help

Along life's rocky road.

No matter what the part you play,

Be it great or small,

What matters in the very end

Is did you give your all.

His time on earth is growing short,

His labors are almost through,

His body he will soon lay down

Until it is made like new.

Watch for him children the time has now come,

He's completed his earthly life's story.

He'll walk back to us so tall and so straight

Trailing clouds of glory.

Gale L. Wolfenbarger

7 October 1994