"There are good days and bad, so we've been told,

Just as there are warm days and cold.

More often than not those bad days will hit hard,

Instead of playing fair, they'll go right to the heart.

What hurts the most is those days that started out good,

Then transformed into something we never thought it would.

Hearing the words and feeling the pain are almost too much to bear,

Someone you loved with all your heart is no longer there.

Yes, they were taken from you suddenly without a goodbye or an I Love You,

All you can think about is how much you loved them too.

Then comes the cold silences, sitting alone, staring at the wall,

Crying so much it's hard to breathe, wondering why they had to go at all.

Then next the anger comes, wondering, "What kind of plan is this?"

And thinking about every little thing that you'll miss.

Slowly but surely the acceptance comes, and you know life without them won't be the same,

And you remember the sunny days instead of the stormy ones, and the day that into your life, they came.

The smiles then become more frequent than the tears,

And before you know it, those long days are short years.

The happy memories will always be in your soul,

And slowly you'll begin to feel whole.

You'll miss them forever, but day by day it won't ache as long,

And you can finally look at the pictures and listen to the songs.

Friend, you will be in our hearts and on our minds until we can be with you,

Until then, we know you're looking down on us, and we love you too."

-Lauren Simpson

"In my life I've known you and loved you,

Maybe years or maybe a day, but every moment has been special,

In its own special way.

I've tried to bring you happiness,

When you most needed it,

I stood there as your rock,

When the hard times hit.

I helped you through the worst days,

Laughed with you through the good,

I never minded helping you,

Any good friend would.

I'm convinced I was made to know you,

And become, for you, a light,

You have made my days, my weeks, my years...

You have made them all bright.

No matter where I am, or wherever I may be,

Always know I carry you in my heart,

And you are always with me."

-Lauren Simpson

"I've stumbled upon some tears in life, and perhaps drowned in them a time or two,

But with it has been happiness, and the smiles always get me through.

I've seen nature at its finest, New York's summer, winter, spring and fall,

Seeing all of this with you, that was was the best of all.

I have travelled around, close to home and far away,

But I've always found my way home because, with you I wanted to stay.

I've seen the flowers in full bloom, the desert sun, the oceans tides,

I've been to theme parks and carnivals, I've been on all the rides.

You and I have just sat and laughed sometimes, and I'll carry that memory forever,

It's those memories I'll recall, and they will warm in me in the coldest December.

I've experienced loss in all different ways,

But I also have seen so much love, on my better days.

Time has moved so quickly at times, in all of my years,

But it has all been worth it, the laughter overcomes the tears.

There were times when I have lost my way, and always worn a frown,

You brought the light in my life and brought me up when I felt down.

Yes, I've lived the good life and I have loved every day,

If I should have to leave you, know that I love you, and remember me this way."

-Lauren Simpson
9-13-02

"When my days seem dark and empty, and life seems hopeless and trite,

I cling to you for happiness and love.. you make the darkness bright.

Being with you makes my day seem better, you are always there,

And when I feel like I've lost everyone else, I know you'll always care.

You are perfect in my eyes and I love you more every day,

Every moment with you has been special, in every single way.

Your love seems unconditional, and I'm amazed by the things you do,

Thank you for loving me, but most of all thank you for being you."

-Lauren Simpson

"I can't let you know I miss you, I can't let you know I care,

Something deep down inside me says that just wouldn't be fair.

I can't pretend there's sunshine, when all it's been is rain,

All I've been is crazy, I can't pretend I'm sane.

My problems are new to you, things you haven't begun to feel,

But I assure you this life I live is no fantasy, this life I live is real.

The smiling face you remembered is no longer here

My eyes are full of sorrow now, my eyes are welled with tears.

There are things you have yet to understand, have yet to comprehend,

This isn't a new beginning, this is the bitter end..."