Week 13 -"When Tomorrow Starts Without Me"

Dear Friends and Family,

This week, I would like to share a poem that a friend of mine told me about.  Cindy and I became friends during the beginning of 2021. Cindy’s husband, Dana and I were co-workers and worked together on a special assignment in Atlanta many years ago. I lived in metro-Detroit and Dana lived in the Cleveland area. We flew into Atlanta each week, along with a couple dozen other individuals to work on a special assignment together. As a result, we got to know each other quite well and I certainly considered Dana to be a friend. We lost touch over the years, but always exchanged Christmas cards.  Prior to Christmas 2020, I mailed a card to Cindy and Dana as I did each year. Shortly after mailing the card, Cindy sent me a card to inform me that Dana passed away unexpectedly on Halloween that same year. I was so very sorry to hear this because Dana was one of the funniest and most delightful people I ever met.

I had never met Cindy, but Dana spoke often and fondly of his wife and daughter, Kim. Not long after receiving the card, Cindy and I had a very long phone conversation. We now text each other often to check in and to exchange stories, photos and recommended movies, magazines, books, etc.

A few weekends ago, Cindy recommended a book to me and mentioned a poem that is contained in the book. It is a well-known poem.  I hope you enjoy reading it, even if you have read it in the past.

This Week’s Feature: “When Tomorrow Starts Without Me”

When tomorrow starts without me,

And I’m not there to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes

All filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry

The way you did today,

While thinking of the many things,

We didn’t get to say.

I know how much you love me,

As much as I love you,

And each time you think of me,

I know you’ll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me,

Please try to understand,

That an angel came and called my name,

And took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready,

In heaven far above

And that I’d have to leave behind

All those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,

A tear fell from my eye

For all my life, I’d always thought,

I didn’t want to die.

I had so much to live for,

So much left yet to do,

It seemed almost impossible,

That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,

The good ones and the bad,

The thought of all the love we shared,

And all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday

Just even for a while,

I’d say good-bye and kiss you

And maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized

That this could never be,

For emptiness and memories,

Would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things

I might miss come tomorrow,

I thought of you, and when I did

My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven’s gates

I felt so much at home

When God looked down and smiled at me,

From His great golden throne.

He said, “This is eternity,

And all I’ve promised you.

Today your life on earth is past

But here it starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,

But today will always last,

And since each day’s the same way,

There’s no longing for the past.

You have been so faithful,

So trusting and so true.

Though there were times

You did some things

You knew you shouldn’t do.

But you have been forgiven

And now at last you’re free.

So won’t you come and take my hand

And share my life with me?”

So when tomorrow starts without me,

Don’t think we’re far apart,

For every time you think of me,

I’m right here, in your heart.

 

David M. Romano, 1993

From the book, Proof of Heaven

By Eben Alexander, MD

pp. 165 – 168

A photo of my friend, Dana while hard at work.
A lovely family photo, including my new friend, Cindy, Dana and their wonderful daughter, Kim.

Prayer Request:

Please pray for those who are grieving.

What’s On Your Mind?

Please share any key lines from the book (via the Comments section, text, e-mail, etc.) that you believe will uplift others who are grieving. I will begin sharing them in my posts…Thank You!

My Ask of You:

  • Please join me in the prayer above.
  • Please consider writing a review on Amazon or the site where you
    purchased the book, once you have read it.
  • Please plan to attend as many of my upcoming Book Signing events as you can.

Upcoming Events:

  • I will be selling and signing my book at The Atlanta Writers Conference Book Fair on Friday, November 3rd (11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) at the Westin Atlanta Airport Hotel.
      • Check the Events tab of my site during the next few weeks to learn more about this event and other upcoming events.

Thank you for your support and prayers… 

“And everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”

John 11:26 (NIV)

2 thoughts on “Week 13 – “When Tomorrow Starts Without Me””

  1. A group of over 40 St. James members and friends were supposed to leave for Israel next week. With great anticipation, we had been praying for God to let us know clearly if we should go amid some violent incidents. We are all saddened that we will not be going, but more our hearts are breaking for the war that has broken out there. Please pray for a quick end to this sudden and deadly war. Pray for the Lord to comfort the grieving and for a safe release of all hostages.

    1. Cynthia, thank you for taking the time to request prayers for the deadly war that has so quickly arisen. I know there are so many individuals who are hurting physically and emotionally. I am so sorry your trip was postponed, but so thankful you all did not go to Israel and end up in the midst of all the violence.

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