Jimmy - Vicky Dykes

As I complete the story of Jimmy's life, there are still several things that I want you to know about Jimmy. When Jimmy was in the fifth grade, he drew a picture that was selected to be sent around the world. The picture was to further world peace. At the age of 9, Jimmy wrote a letter to President Reagan. Even then, Jimmy knew how fragile his hold on life was and that nothing much was being done to help him. I have enclosed his letter, the answer he received from the White House as well as other interesting facts that Jimmy wrote about himself. Through all of the difficulties Jimmy and my family experienced, I hope one fact was evident to you as you have read his story and that was his deep and unfailing faith in God.
This chapter I hope has given you a small glimpse of Jimmy. As I read the various descriptions of Jimmy (e.g., guardian angel, bird, Peter Pan), I hope we have all done Jimmy justice. Jimmy was a unique individual who not only graced my life but many others for a very brief period. I look forward to the day when I will have caught up to Jimmy and caught his hand and said, "It was only a moment as I promised."
The following is a poem, which I wanted in Jimmy's story:

I'll lend you for a little time a child of mine, he said,
For you to love him while he lives and mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years - or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you and should his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories, as solace for you grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, since all to (dust) return;
But there are lessons to be taught, which I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true,
And from throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you given all your love, nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call to take him back again?
God fancied that he heard them say; "Dear Lord, thy will be done,
For all the joy Thy child shall bring, we'll love him while we may,
And strive to guide him wisely right along life's rugged way;
But should the angels call for him much sooner than we planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes-and try to understand.

A Mother's Poem

Oh Mother, Oh Mother why do you weep,
Your little one, little one, has just gone to sleep.
The angels were sent to bring him above,
The good Lord surrounded him with all of his love.