DONNIE

I wrote this a long time ago, while I was grieving the loss of this friend. But I still get a tear in my eye when I think of him. I just want to share him with my friends here.

 

DONNIE

 

  

I remember the first time
Donnie and I met
He was searching for a bar
So his troubles he could forget.

 

 Along came a group of us ladies

Who'd just witnessed God's powerful ways,

And Christine recognized Don,

From their childhood days.

  

"You all seem so joyful."

He said as we passed by.  

"I'd like to be that happy.

 Where did you get that high?

 

  We told him we were coming

From a conference down the hall.

 There would be a few more meetings

And we planned to attend them all.  

 

"If you really want this lasting joy  

Which comes from God above,

You should come along with us  

And experience His love."

 

 

He realized immediately

Our meeting wasn't happenstance

It was arranged by the Lord of life  

To give him another chance.

 

For he'd strayed so far, and tried so much,  

But he always seemed to fail

Yet Jesus never abandoned him  

Even when he was in jail. 

 

For a visitor named Jackie  

Went to spread the love of the Lord.  

She cast the line for Donnie,

By humbly sharing God's word.

 

Yes the Spirit had been working  

On his heart for quite a while  

We simply reeled him in, 

With a kind word and a smile. 

 

He attended the rest of those meetings

 Instead of seeking booze and drugs.

His face just glowed with the love of the Lord.  

And we encouraged him with hugs.

 

His life was transformed, 

He got a job, and dated a girl from home.  

God surely was providing

So he wouldn't need to roam.  

 

At last he had discovered  

What truly made his life worthwhile.  

Every time I saw him,  

He greeted me with a hug and smile.

 

I regret that our paths haven't crossed much

In the last few months of time,

For the other night he was brutally knifed, 

And cut down in his prime.

 

I'll miss his welcoming smiles and hugs  

Which always meant so much,  

For God always seemed to send him

When I needed a little touch.  

 

I hope that in God's love and grace  

He readily continued to grow.  

And some day I will see again

This young man, called Donnie Breau.

 

(c)Ellen Hammond July 1992

Reviews

[~*~Peace Keeper~*~]

Wow...you did a wonderful job...and i just hope that we can all be a light to someone like this so they may know God's love...for we all need his guiding hand no matter what...i just hope that we have the courge to do what He asks us to...for sometimes we hesitate and lose the opportunity to do so and later down the road we wished we stepped in and give a kind word and a smile...for sometimes i think back and wish i did.
Great Job :)

[Jinx's Heart]

Such a meaningful, beautiful, compassionate writing. Your tone is so genuine and seems to still call out to your friend who you've been able to help along the way. I'm sorry you lost your friend, but as you said, you will see him once again. Absolutely a beautiful writing!! :)

[deeps]

Oh My Goodness! You can write amazing stuff, this really grazed the heart, I like this alot.