For Mary

My friend, Mary Fox, passed away from peritoneal cancer yesterday evening. I will miss her dearly. Mary left behind her husband, Jason, and two wonderful children, Molly (age 6) and Philip (age 3). Mary was 40 years old.

Mary had Jason send this poem she had written to all her friends via email this morning along with the announcement of her death. It is beautiful and I'd like to share it. In her poem she mentions 3 children - the third would be her stepson, Michael, Jason's son from a previous marriage.

Cry freely, but Do Not Cry for Me
By Mary Fox

Cry freely, but do not cry for me, for tonight, or in the mere blink of an eye,
I will be kneeling in the presence of my Lord and Savior....
Standing amongst all the many dear saintswho have gone before me....
And singing with the angels to my Abba Father, a biblical name for God which means "Daddy."

Cry freely, but do not cry for me,
I am free of pain and distressI am no longer feeling the effects of cancer.
I am anxiously awaiting the day whenI will be reunited with my husband, my three lovely children, and all the rest of you who proclaim Jesus as your Savior!
Of course, I hope you will live long, happy, and worthwhile lives, here on Earth until that day when we will meet again.

Cry freely for yourselves,
I know you will miss me and my love for you.
Cry for my children and those milestones I will miss, lost teeth, scary driving lessons, late night chats and celebrations.
Cry for my husband - for the years we have missed and this cruel separation of a deep love, uncommonly found.

Cry freely, but most of all examine your own lives.
Is your name written in the palm of God's hand? I so hope so.
Cry freely, but do not cry for me.