I never knew you in this life, Never heard your voice or laugh, But I've walked within the home you made And felt the love you left. In little things your hands once did— The meals, the clothes you'd sew, The hair you cut, the care you gave— There are so many ways I know. I know you by the love you left, By the children that you raised, By the goodness planted deep in them, By the lives your loving shaped. But most of all, I know your heart Through the man who speaks your name; There's tenderness within his voice That all these years can't change. I never knew you in this life, But still I know it's true— There was something very beautiful And deeply good in you. You loved your children fiercely, Made a home where they belonged, Filled their days with ordinary things That somehow made them strong. You cooked and sewed and cared for them, Gave all a mother gives; And though you left this world too soon, So much of you still lives. I know you by the love you left, By the children that you raised, By the goodness planted deep in them, By the lives your loving shaped. But most of all, I know your heart Through the man who speaks your name; There's tenderness within his voice That all these years can't change. I never knew you in this life, But still I know it's true— There was something very beautiful And deeply good in you. And writing More Love Than I Expected Has brought you somehow near; I've walked through years I never lived And found your presence there. I've seen your children differently, I've understood more too— How much of what I came to love Was first poured into them by you. So maybe we are partners now, Though standing worlds apart— Two mothers watching eight dear lives, Each holding them at heart. And I believe you're with the Savior, Still pleading for them there; While I am here, I'll do my part With whatever love they'll share. I cannot make a doorway open, I cannot choose what comes, But if someday that doorway turns And brings your children home, I'll welcome every chance I'm given To love them as before— And love their precious children too, If they walk through that door. I know you by the love you left, And I treasure what you gave— The children who still carry you Through every passing day. And someday when this life is through, We'll finally meet; And I'll thank you for the family You've trusted me to keep. Until then, stay beside our Savior, Keep watching from above; I'll keep watch from here beside their dad— And someday we'll meet you both with love. I never knew you in this life, Yet somehow now I do. And I'm grateful for the love you left— And grateful, Debbie, for you.
