Matt's Dedication: From Grandpa (Lloyd's Dad)

MATTHEW JOHN TOOKE

Man’s history often intertwines
With strands of mystery from the weavers hand
And Grace is often seen from weeping eye
As counter to our hopes of bright benevolence

Thus we all with puzzlement and with dread
Received the news of something different and obscure.
That seemed to mark a harder weaker poorer life
For one we all held dear and longed to take upon our breast.

At first it seemed we had the right to mourn what could have been
And see, in all the trial and stress of giving nourishment
To one who hardly knew the method and the means
the anxious cause and reason for our fear.

And more malignant yet reports of deeper threat
That strangled the vital capacities to breathe and live.
Four times it seems the journey went to the limit of his life
And revealed the fragile, journey of our infant child

But from his soul there came a surer sign
A toughness to endure, to carry on
Courage like a lion began to beat and this small warrior
Like Hercules to kill the snake, reached out to claim his right to live.

And peeping from his seeking eyes came looks
That seemed amazed at us as though
Nothing quite so good or cute or grand
Could possibly be true or real

And smiles exploding from beneath his nose
Quite made the world ignite with mirth
and we forgot all else to take his lead
and follow in his bright delight.

And fists that clench and legs that kick
More dangerous than a Springbok pack
And voice that cries imperiously
“Come and get me if you dare!”

One thing is sure it is our hope
That in some loss can lie perfection’s way
That weakness is the preface to a strength
That uncertainty is quite the cause for faith

The poor will prosper and the last come first
The least will yet be greatest you will see
And service may be offered best
Bound up in the cords of small humility

So Welcome Matt you are much more than hope
You foster triumph as you go
We hold to you in ever greater joy
To banish fear and past regret

Here are our hands our hearts our help
Our arms to lift the burdens on the way
Your dates with destiny we’re sure
Are kept within the Grace of God.