If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see
I hope your eyes aren't filled with tears just because of me.
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things, we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me, just know I'll miss you too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready in heaven far above,

And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away a tear fell from my eye
For all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared, all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you, maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized, that this could never be.

For emptiness and memories, would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss come tomorrow.
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.
So if tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart.
For every time you think of me, I'm right therein your heart.

Poem submitted by one of many mourners to the guest book at the San Gabriel Valley Tribune website