Irish Blessing

I wish you not a path devoid of clouds,
nor a life on a bed of roses,
not that you might never need regret,
nor that you shall never feel pain.
No, that is not my wish for you.
My wish for you is that you might be brave in times of trial
when others lay crosses upon your shoulders.
When mountains must be climbed
and chasms are to be crossed;
when hope scarce can shine through.
That every gift God gave you might grow along with you.
And let you give the gift of joy to all who care for you.
That you may always have a friend who is worth that name.
Who you can trust, and who helps you in times of sadness.
Who will defy the storms of daily life at your side.
One more wish I have for you:
That in every hour of joy and pain you may feel God close to you.
This is my wish for you and for all who care for you.
This is my hope for you, now and forever.
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I try not to be one given to sentimentality, though I probably fail at that.   Life is not a bed of roses with chocolates and sweet things every day.  It can be quite hard, especially in the times we find ourselves in the valleys.  Yet whether you are on the mountaintop or in the deepest valley, this poem does express some of my sentiments for those I love (and in my better moments, also those whom I should love).  That they may have courage in the face of adversity.  That they shall never feel alone.  Finally, that they may know that God upholds them in his providential hand and that they may find themselves secure in that embrace.