In Loving Memory of Ashley A. Gray

Here I stand the first year at your grave,

Still trying to accept the decision the Creator made,

I drive myself crazy for a hint or a clue,

Of why at thirty he had to take you.

I would have made the choice,

If I'd been giving one,

Today someone will die; either you or my daughter

I would have stood tall and cried

"Creator let it be me!"

But obviously Creator doesn't work that way

For whatever reason he wanted you that day

And now here I stand with tears in my eyes

Every day this year, I can't tell you goodbye

I only say I love you and try to concentrate

To hear your voice, to feel your touch, to see your beautiful face

And if I live to be a hundred I'll still ask him every day

"Why didn't you take me instead of my beautiful daughter?"

Mom, Tyren, Ellie, Cheyanne, Jason, Cody, Cash, Stacy, German, Kaydence, Kennon, Khloe, Kalab & Kiera