Dawning of the Day

A friend of mine is going through the shock and grief of losing a friend to "suicide by cop". Not only is she dealing with her own loss, but she is also trying to support the family of this man through this journey. Over four years ago, a dear friend of mine took his life, and about twenty of us who had known him well through all the music we had shared returned to our alma mater to conduct a special memorial service for him. As I struggling with my own deep pain, a song came to me to write. I told my friend in California that I would post the words to this song, which I sang at that service in Vermont.

There are never adequate answers for suicide. There are so many questions, so much unknown, both anger and grief. I wish I could post the entire song, but I am still working on mixing the recording of this song. So, for you, Jaimie, here are the words. They reflect my own struggle and grief. I hope these words may help someone else.

A DAWNING OF THE DAY
(c) Mary Lou Worster Anderson 2006

(written in memory of Tim Rowe)

What was the sorrow inside of you?
What were the words you couldn't say?
What was the shattering that broke your heart?
What deep despair took you away?

But, rest, my friend, now, for all is well,
The angels guide you on your way;
Peace, my friend, you are still so very near;
There will be a dawning of the day.

What is this mirror we hold in hand,
The light so dim we cannot see?
It is by trust we tread this pathway;
Life finds its way through mystery.

But, rest, my friends, now, for all is well,
The angels guide him on his way;
Peace, my friends, he is still so very near;
There will be a dawning of the day.

One day the veil will be lifted,
And we will see the sky above;
There is a power surrounding us
With faith and hope and love.

But, rest, my friends, now, for all is well,
The angels guide us on our way;
Peace, my friends, those we've lost are still so near;
There will be a dawning of the day.

But, rest, my friends, now, for all is well,
The angels guide us on our way;
Peace, my friends, those we've loved are still so near;
There will be a dawning of the day.
There will be a dawning of the day.