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Visiting Renae



It was December and Jesus was busy
Doing all the good things that He does
When an angel brought him sad news
About the sweetest girl there ever was.

“I’ve just been down to earth," she said,
"And I’ve got some bad news to tell.
It seems your favorite child, Renae,
Is in the hospital, not feeling very well.

“What’s that?” Jesus asked, alarmed,
“My sweet Renae is sick?  Well then,
We must round up some of her friends
And go there to see her – quick!”

He said, “Get my big, pink sleigh!
And hurry up, for heaven’s sake!
We have a long, long way to go
And so many stops to make!”

The sleigh was led by six white horses
And with the reins in one strong hand,
Jesus soared down through the clouds
To his first stop, Disneyland!

He flew over the park and all the rides,
Over Sleeping Beauty’s castle as well!
That’s where he met Renae’s good friend,
The beautiful pixie named Tinkerbell!

“Renae needs us, Tinkerbell!" He said.
"Get in!  On the way there, we can talk.
But first, we have more stops to make
And the next one is the town of Bedrock!"

In no time at all, they were there,
Knocking on Fred Flintstone’s door
And when Fred heard Renae was sick,
He picked up Pebbles from the floor.

“Wilma!” he yelled,“Call the Rubble's!
Hurry and get Dino ready, too!
We’re all going to see Renae!
She’s not well and feeling blue.”

(You see, when Renae watched them on TV,
The Flintstones were watching her, too!
And they all fell in love with sweet Renae,
The way people always do.)

So Fred and Wilma and Barney and Betty
And Pebbles and Bamm Bamm, too
Sat in the sleigh with Jesus and Tinkerbell
And through the bright blue skies they flew.

Jesus was a little annoyed for a second
Because his sleigh had a brand new top
And Dino, who was trying to sit up straight,
Stuck his head through the roof with a “POP!”

As they flew, Tinkerbell looked back
And she saw a very unusual sight.
It looked like a cloud but it wasn’t.
It was bigger, and it wasn’t white!

It was every color of the rainbow
And even some colors that were new!
Made of millions of tiny butterflies
Who were going to see Renae, too!

And as they flew around the world,
The cloud of butterflies grew and grew.
It was so pretty that everyone everywhere
Looked up at the sky and said, “Oooohhhhh!”

Finally, they broke through the clouds
And the hospital came into view.
Fred was so excited about seeing Renae,
He shouted, “Yabba Dabba Doo!!”

The whole town stared in amazement
As the great, pink sleigh passed by
With Jesus Himself holding the reins.
No one could believe their eyes!

“Where could the sleigh be going?” they asked,
“What could all the fuss be about?”
It had to be something very important.
Of that, there was no doubt!

The horses came right through the hospital door
to the doctors’ and nurses’ immense surprise.
The sleigh with Jesus, Tinkerbell and the rest
slid down the hall just as if it were ice!

And just when the shock was wearing off
and they all thought they'd seen everything,
In flew the biggest, brightest collection
of butterflies the world's ever seen!

The hospital wasn’t all white anymore
because the butterflies covered the walls!
And in a moment, Jesus was in Renae’s room
with his horses, his sleigh and all!

Renae sat up in her bed, amazed
by all the excitement in her room.
Fred and Wilma got out of the sleigh,
Barney, Betty and Bamm Bamm, too!

Pebbles and Bamm Bamm sat on the bed
and Renae said, “Hello!  Nice to meet you!”
Bamm Bamm yelled his name real loud
and Pebbles said, “Ga ga ga, goo goo.”
(Which means “Nice to meet you, too!”)

Dino was so happy to see Renae,
he barked and jumped up on the bed.
He licked her and licked her all over her face
and she laughed until she turned red.

The butterflies kept flying into the room.
Their colorful wings were everywhere!
On the wall, on the ceiling, all over the bed
and even in Renae’s curly hair!

But one butterfly didn’t look like the rest
and it flew much too fast to see well
until it stopped to rest on Renae’s shoulder
and she realized it was Tinkerbell!

Tinkerbell gave Renae a kiss on the cheek,
and flew in quick circles above her head.
She touched Renae with her magic wand
and sprinkled fairy dust over her bed.

Then she flew close to Renae’s ear and whispered, 
“This magic dust will help make you feel well.
Pretty soon, you’ll be running and playing again.
It's true, I promise, or my name isn’t Tinkerbell!”

Everybody was so happy to see Renae smile
and hear her laughter, so strong and so clear,
Fred couldn’t stop yelling, “Yabba Dabba Doo”
and Jesus’ eyes filled up with tears.

For nobody loved Renae more than He did.
He’d watched her since the day she was born
and He was going to make sure she felt better
right away, beginning this very morn.

Now most people don’t know this.
In fact, some say it’s only a rumor.
But I happen to know for a fact
That Jesus has a zany sense of humor.

He blinked his eyes and there in the room
a figure dressed all in red appeared,
and Renae knew right away who he was
from his red suit and long, white beard.

Santa was a little confused at first
but then he saw Renae and he smiled.
He said, “Ho Ho Ho!  Hello there, Renae!
It’s so nice to see my favorite child!”

Jesus gave Santa a wink and a nod
and Santa knew just what He meant
so he sent a message to his toy shop
and his big sack was magically sent.

Then Santa reached into the giant bag
and pulled out an oversized teddy bear,
then another and another until in the room,
there wasn’t a single inch left to spare!

Then Jesus smiled, took Renae’s hand and said,
“I’m so proud of how brave you have been.
I know sometimes you feel sad and afraid
but this is a fight that you're going to win.

Because I’ll be right here beside you,
helping you to feel better each day
until all your treatments are done
and you can finally go outside and play.

Just look at all the people here who love you,”
Jesus said, “All your relatives, friends and Me.”
And the Flintstones, the Rubbles, Tinkerbell,
Dino and Santa all smiled at her lovingly.

They laughed and played for hours
until it was finally time to leave
because Santa had gifts to deliver
and Jesus had prayers to receive.

Tinkerbell was needed at Disneyland
and Fred had work the next day.
Besides, Renae was a little bit tired
from all of the laughter and play.

So they kissed Renae goodnight one by one
and Jesus leaned closer to her and said,
“Though it looks like I’m leaving, I’m not.
I’ll always be right here by your bed.”

"I’ll never leave you, not for a second.
I’ll always be right here in your room,
holding you close and protecting you
to make sure you get well very soon."

Then Renae smiled and fell softly asleep
to the sound of butterfly wings in flight
and Santa saying, “Merry Christmas to all!
And to all a very good night!”

And her sleep was filled with dreams
of sunny days under skies of blue
and playing with friends and family –
dreams that would surely come true.




Author notes

I wrote this over a year ago for a contest an AP member named Saab was having for a little girl with brain cancer.  Unfortunately, she died before the contest ended.  The original message is below.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news but I just learned this morning that Renae, the little girl who this poem was written for, has died.  

To those who didn't have the good fortune to know Renae, even if only through this site, she was only six years old and had heart cancer.  A contest was created by Saab to gather poems from AP members to read to her at her bedside.  Please check out the contest titled "For A Little Girl."  A lot of beautiful poems were written for Renae by our AP friends.  

I learned from Saab that Renae was a Christian, loved the Flintstones (particularly Pebbles), Tinkerbell, teddy bears and butterflies, and her favorite color was pink.  In other words, she was every bit a "little girl."

After finishing the poem, I was deeply saddened to learn that Renae had been put on life support and couldn't listen to the poems.  Needless to say, I and a lot of other people prayed for a Christmas miracle, but it was not to be.  

My only comfort is the belief that she is in a better place now and no longer in pain.  Please pray for Renae's family and friends, who are left behind to deal with this tragedy.

I must admit, my inclination is to delete this poem and burn all copies out of anger toward God for taking her with so much life left to live, but I won't, because I felt like I knew Renae.  I'll leave it here to honor her memory and remain faithful that Jesus has already whisked her away to heaven in his big, pink sleigh.

Written December 24th, 2003

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Comments

1 - 21 of 21

  • DancingRed
    December 9, 2005
    Edit | Reply
    This is such a heart breaking tragedy. You did very well to express all your thoughts in rhyming poetry form. Great work.
    HannaH.

  • Aimee Hill
    March 18, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    I remember that sweet little girl... felt as though
    I knew her too. I remember crying when Saab sent us all the news, her poor little self.. couldn't fight anymore.
    She touched the heart of so many of us, and still does to this day. I often think of her, and send a lil prayer, though I know she's doing wonderfully now, where she is.

    I loved how you brought all the things she loved into this
    poem. It was long... but it was FULL of love and compassion for Renae. She would have loved to have read all the poems written for her.. who knows.. she may be reading them now
    Excellent write, my friend. Thanks for bringing the tears!


    ~Aimee
  • Apple Blossom
    January 16, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    I knew about Renae before reading this poem of yours and even still knowing that she had passed, I got chills, this is touchingly sweet. Well done hun. Keep sharing. Aimee xo

  • coffeeangel316
    January 9, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    this was simply a wonderful gift. Your words flowed so wonderful and kept me glued to each new stanza. You took her favorite things and it sounded so beautiful. I thank you for sharing your talent with me, Friends, Tracy

  • leannewales
    January 8, 2004
    Edit | Reply
    Mark...you have created a masterpiece here inspired by your empathy and love for a little girl who was suffering...you are such a thought ful and caring man...I truly believe that little Renae has indeed had this wonderful poem read to her along with all the others...bless your heart Mark...hugs...leanne xxx
  • rixi
    December 31, 2003
    Edit | Reply
    its when you hear about things like this that i really wanna believe in God, and Heaven. Wherever that little girl is now, the embodiment of the love you put into this poem follows her and protects her soul. absolutely beautiful, now if you will excuse me, i'm going to find a nice corner and sob my heart out.

    stay safe

    ~rixi~
  • zara
    December 30, 2003
    Edit | Reply
    You can take some comfort in the thought that this little girl will have taken great joy in this poem filled with all her favourite things.
    I knew a little girl who died three years ago, at Christmas, after years of suffering heart and lung disease. Her mother said the wisest thing: "She died with all her dreams intact."

  • Morrowind
    December 29, 2003
    Edit | Reply
    That's the most sweetest poem i think i have ever read in my life
    I'm sitting here recovering from the flu and i have never felt so lucky!... Gosh' so much thought and love went into this poem
    i am lost for words ... Little Renae' certainly knows now, how many people's lives she has touched with her sickness.. now that she is in God's care i bet she holds this sweet' wonderful poem up in heaven.. close by in her Heart..
    Thank you for touching my heart today also with this beautiful little girls spirit...

    "May your heart always be blessed" ...Much Love~ Mina

  • Mark Rickerby gold member
    December 29, 2003
    Edit | Reply
    I just wanted to say thanks to everybody who commented on this poem. I wish Renae could have heard it and all the other poems written for her by AP members. Hopefully, Jesus has her on his knee and is reading them to her right now.

    Mark

  • Mark Rickerby gold member
    December 29, 2003
    Edit | Reply
    Hi Demokrit,

    I'll check out your friend's page.

    Happy New Year,

    Mark

  • Demokrit silver member
    December 29, 2003
    Edit | Reply
    This was really a gret poem and I am so sad for her and her parents-but I am sure she knew we were prying for her- may be a mission was fullfilled- a lot of people awaking and hoping for a little child- showing us one thing- together we are a strong community and the parents are not alone in this dark hours.-
    You asked me for my latest poem- I just looked up a word in my dictionary and found a page filled with a lot of synonyms for not knowing- And of course- good enough for poetry I need a word or a sentence to write-a thought- then I write a poem directly and in shortest time- I think the longest I worked on a poem until now was two hours- eother it flows directly or I throw it away- then it is not good enough for poetry- thank you for your excellent poem I read just now!-I think a friend of mine would like your poems as well- she has a free page for poetry called www.poeticwings.com
    I think she would love you to post there- it is totally free- not so many comments until now- because new- but high quality- would be nice to read your poetry there as well!

  • Runawaytrain
    December 29, 2003
    Edit | Reply
    Oh, gosh, this is so sad. The poem you wrote is wonderful. Any child would love it. I am just sitting here in tears though, because I hate it when a child suffers. She will awaken though, in the blink of an eye, and she will be completely well.

  • mendee86
    December 26, 2003
    Edit | Reply
    This was an incredible poem Mark. I'm speechless...you took the time to write this poem for a little girl in need, that is beautiful. I really don't know what to say...other than I loved this poem. I think I have to go cry now=( I'll be sure to keep her in my prayers.

  • Mark Rickerby gold member
    December 26, 2003
    Edit | Reply
    Dear Saab,

    I'm so glad you liked the poem I wrote for Renae. Please keep us posted on how she's doing. I feel like I know her and have been praying hard for a miracle.

    God bless you,

    Mark

  • Maureen silver member
    December 25, 2003
    Edit | Reply
    I have been praying for Renae since Saab told me she is on life support. That poor little girl...I wish she could know about all the people who care about her. You wrote a very nice poem! I wish she could have read it.


    <3 Maureen

  • MuseStalker
    December 25, 2003
    Edit | Reply

    exquisite

    The poem was beautiful, and I know God is hearing our prayers. I guess we're all struggling with this tonight. I really appreciate knowing that we're all together in our efforts to help this child...and to support one another through the pain of this. Thank you for your beautiful poem...but, most of all, thanks for your kind, loving heart. Merry Christmas to you...and know Renae is in our hearts and prayers, along with her family and friends at this awful time.

  • PurpleSky
    December 25, 2003
    Edit | Reply
    First of all let me say that I too am praying for Renae and this was just the most loving, beautiful thing I think I have ever read because it came right from the heart. I pray that Renae will get better but if Jesus should decide that he wants this preciose child with him in the near future than there to I am sure she will know the love that has been expressed through your prayers and writing. God bless you for your tender heart and keep praying its all shes got.

  • MariGoes gold member
    December 25, 2003
    Edit | Reply
    I'm sure this poem will bring a very large smile on her face, and I pray that it happens soon, that she recovers and read it and all the others poem posted for her.
    Many times we cry because of our little problems, instead we should be happy and feel blessed as we see our kids in good health and to thanks God every minute for that.
    My prayers are for her and her family.
    A very nice and thoughtful poem you wrote for her Mark!

    Mari
    Edited on Dec 25, 2:15 because ''.

  • ShadyLass
    December 24, 2003
    Edit | Reply

    10+

    Beautiful, simply beautiful. This poem made me cry. She is a lucky girl to have somene write such a beautiful heartfelt poem for her. I will pray sweet Renae and her family every night. Merry Christmas.
    ~Amanda~

    Edited on Dec 24, 11:17 p.m. because 'typo'.
  • GypsyDreamer
    December 24, 2003
    Edit | Reply
    What a sweet poem for a special little girl. She is in my prayers, as well as her family. I'm so sorry to hear that things are not looking better right now. I'm praying that she gets a Christmas gift of a healing miracle tonight.
    gypsy

  • Saab
    December 24, 2003
    Edit | Reply
    Wow. This was so nice. I'm in tears because Renae's got all these problems, but.. this was so great. She would absolutely love it, HappyWanderer. For all we know Jesus is on His way in a big pink sled, ready to help Renae. I haven't given up hope, but...this was just an amazing write, and I thank you so much for writing it. I am sure if she goes Home to Heaven, she will hear it, and the butterflies of Heaven will sweep her away, and Jesus will hold her hand, showing her around her new eternal home, while she skipped along happily with no more pain, no more suffering... just pure joy of deliverance. This was an incredible write. Thank you so much for writing it, and thank you for your prayers. This was incredibly sweet of you to write for her.
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