I’ve waited for this day, with no eager anticipation,

I remember the way, I first discovered you, realized

the news would be all about you,

I wondered what it would be like to lose someone,

to not have any idea, and only be left with pain,

the loss that seemed forever in a day,

in weeks, in months, in annual memorials,

celebrations,

in years I wondered where you were knowing you were

probably there the entire time …

 

I’ve watched children grow and reach their dreams,

I used to criticize your mom,

and felt guilty about it all the time,

how could I possibly ever imagine the fear and anxiety,

the monster left with her,

forever.

She created so much to protect you

and all the lives that followed your same path,

had a light of hope to wish for, maybe dream a little bit,

recognize there is a greater value than wanting what we cannot have.

 

This morning I heard the news, and felt a tear,

we’ve all waited so many years for this little boy we never knew,

yet a young man who touched so many hearts,

deserves a happy ending,

I guess that means we can rest knowing you haven’t suffered

these last 27 years.

Maybe you have, and that’s part of the life we’ll never know.

We do know this though, the monster’s been found,

he’ll hurt no one else.

 

We left our lights on tonight, and this time,

it became real.

 

 

to Jacob Wetterling – September 3rd, 2016 – may he rest in peace