The love I felt at seeing my tiny newborn child 
Before I could count his toes, they took him with a smile 
My arms would not stretch enough, longing for him so 
This was the first time I had to let him go. 

Seasons shifted onward viewing him  learn so much
Pulling himself up, fascination made him touch
Unsteady before me just swaying to and fro 
To take his first step, I had to let him go 

Kindergarten time arrived, at the neighborhood school 
So little to leave my side, but it was the state rule 
Watching him get smaller, he strode away so slow 
Longing to stop it, I had to let him go. 

Trained to be a minister, outstanding for his age 
Boldly showing  folks the picture on the page 
Anxious, he could get hurt, when people would say no 
But for him to learn, I had to let him go. 

He got his first bicycle, shiny and all brand new 
Me gripping firmly the back end, away we both flew 
Prior to my readiness, he wanted to show  
He would not learn, If I didn't let him go. 
 
Time unstationary, now he is ready to drive 
Accidents often happen, this was hard to decide 
Twas part of the duty of helping him to grow 
Over and again having to let him go 

Now a young man, desires are to be a pioneer 
Prayers poured out, please make this his lasting career 
Staunchly preaching at each house all lined in a row. 
Ardently yielding this time, I let him go.
  
Things are constantly shifting, they always somehow change 
I do know teenagers can behave sometimes strange 
My heart was not ready for what I came to know. 
This the hardest of all times to let him go. 

Releasing my dear son was always so he could learn
Desiring the most for him, earnestly my heart yearned 
A most difficult lesson he must get to know 
Tortured,  should it be the last time I let  go. 

My son has been killed, I said my last goodbye 
Little did I guess then, tomorrow he would die.
Life can never be the same, without his smile 
God help me, the final time, having to let go my child. 

I remain here with Jehovah, while part of my heart goes with the one I never wanted to let go. 

~Sher Charboneau~