Baby Nathan

I’ll Lend you for a little time a child of mine

by Edgar Guest

“I’ll lend you for a little time a child of mine,” He said.

“For you to love the while he lives and mourn when he is dead,

“It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three.

“But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?

“He’ll bring his charms to gladden you, but should his stay be brief,

“You’ll have his lovely memories, as solace for your grief,

“I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return,

“But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.

“I’ve looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true,

“And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes I have selected you.

“Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain,

“Nor hate me when I come to call to take him back again?

I fancied that I heard them say: Dear Lord, Thy will be done!

“For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we’ll run.

We’ll shelter him with tenderness: we’ll love him while we may,

And for happiness we’ve known forever grateful stay.

“But should the angels call for him much sooner than we’d planned.

“We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.” 

On December 20 I had the opportunity to photograph little Nathan, a precious boy with caramel-coloured hair who was warmly welcomed and loved by his parents.  

Nathan has a big battle ahead of him; he has a large brain cyst which will require a lot of doctor visits, bloodwork, measurements, tests, and possible surgery.  At this point, no one knows what the outcome will be.  

Nathan's family is holding onto faith and prayer during this difficult time.

Jer 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."