Sunday, November 9, 2014

No Empty Chairs

©2014 Susan Noyes Anderson

In this life, some men stand so tall
that others rise up, too.
We look to their example, reaching
for their point of view.

We know, through them, the Savior's love
and see in them His grace.
Joe Barton was this kind of man.
The sun shone from his face.

He looked on us with gentle eyes,
clear windows of compassion.
His smile was bright and blessed with light
none but the Lord could fashion.

His countenance held warmth and wisdom;
laughter marked it well.
Joe was and is the best of us;
his story's ours to tell.

And we will tell it gladly, even
as we say good-bye, 
sustained by sacred knowledge that
he lives and loves on high.

And humbled as we understand
another needs him more.
Their sweet reunion heals our hearts,
reminds us what's in store.

For one day we will meet again
when earthly work is done,
and there will be no empty chairs.
The victory will be won.

For Joseph Henry Barton, in love and memory.



My brother-in-law Joe with his sweetheart, Mary... 

then

and

 more recently...

for time and all eternity.

12 comments:

Karen Mortensen said...

Very nice post. Sorry for your loss. Who was he to you?

yaya said...

What a beautiful tribute Sue. Such a handsome man and a beautiful wife. I do look forward to the day of sweet reunion with those we love...

Susan Anderson said...

Joe is my brother-in-law.

LeAnn said...

Sorry to hear of your loss. This was such a lovely poem of tribute to this man you all loved.
Sending prayers, love and hugs your way.
The pictures were lovely and especially of your sister and him.
Blessings of peace and comfort for you all~

Grandma Honey said...

This is the very hardest part of life.
Sue, I'm sorry for your loss and the grief you are feeling. What a wonderful tribute to him.

Amy said...

What a hard thing to go through in this life. But what a beautiful tribute! I am sorry for your loss and thankful for your testimony.

Friko said...

My heartfelt condolences.
It’s so hard to lose the one who have filled a large space in our lives.

Jenny said...

Oh Sue. Such a lovely tribute. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Esther Joy said...

Sorry for your loss. May God wrap His arms around you and comfort you.

karen said...

This is very late, but that was a beautiful poem in tribute to your brother in law. I'm sure he loved it. Hope all is well with you and the family.

EG CameraGirl said...

Beautifully written, Sue! Sorry to be coming by so late to comment on your words.

Brian Miller said...

i am sorry for your loss...
just tonight i found out that a dear friend passed away...so my heart is heavy...but also light because i know the lives he touched...