A Tribute to Our Daughter

This past Sunday at church was a special day in the life of my family and several other families.... it was the Sunday dedicated to recognizing and honoring our graduating seniors. Our daughter, Alyson, was one of the honorees.

At the ceremony, each student was called up on the platform and the youth pastor shared some of their accomplishments and then some words written by the students directed to either the youth group or their parents. Then as the graduating senior stood there, like a deer frozen in the headlights, the parents stood, facing their child as the youth pastor's wife read a one page summary of all our thoughts, memories, triumphs and failures....and all our hopes and dreams yet to be fulfilled for the child that will soon embark on a new chapter in life.

What follows is our tribute to our daughter, ALYSON TAYLOR QUEEN.


I’m Alyson Taylor Queen
Prettiest girl you’ve ever seen.
Ask me how I know…
Because my Daddy told me so.

Can it be that fifteen years have passed since I wrote that little poem for you to recite to strangers that we would meet at the mall? It seems like only yesterday your Mom and I brought you home from the hospital and marveled that such a tiny creature could be so perfect. Before we knew it, you were walking and talking; in fact, we still remember your first word….WATCH. Now, I thought you were talking about the gold eagle watch I wore all the time, but you meant, WATCH; WATCH ME and all that I will do with my life….and we haven’t been able to take our eyes off of you for even a second.

We watched as cancer took over your little body at age 5 and we watched as you fought it with all your might….we watched as the doctors took you into that operating room and we stood vigilant at your side in the ICU…we watched as the chemo wrecked your small frame and you lost all your hair and yet, we swelled with pride that Sunday you sang in church how much Jesus loves you…

We have watched as you sang before thousands in the Relays for Life and we have marveled at the poise that God has blessed you with; both as a small child and especially now, as a maturing, young woman. We have watched you as we left you at Camp Firefly and told the counselors to call us if the experience of being so far from home became too much…yet the phone never rang! We have watched as you played so many parts in school and church plays and we watched with tear-filled eyes as you walked the aisle at church to ask Jesus to come into your heart and make it His own.

We have watched you be a friend and become a friend to so many that we have surely lost count of all the lives that you have touched with your infectious smile, your quick and clever wit and your true enthusiasm for all things fun. We have also seen your studious and serious side as you have always excelled in your pursuit of knowledge and education with little prodding from us.

Oh yes, our dear Alyson, we have watched with eyes ….and hearts…open wide and we have spent many nights in thanksgiving for the treasure that God bestowed on us when He blessed us with you. We could never have petitioned God for such a child as you…for we were truly undeserving …but God, in His infinite wisdom, knew that we would always watch out for you ….and to that end, even though your new path will lead you away from us….we will be watching as the next chapters of your life unfold in service to the God who made you and redeemed you …for most of all, HE IS WATCHING AND EXPECTING GREAT THINGS FROM YOU AND THE LIFE HE GAVE YOU…WE LOVE YOU …ALYSON TAYLOR QUEEN!

If today, you are in the same boat as my wife and I...you have my deepest admiration and heartfelt sympathy as you say goodbye to that child and push them ever so gently toward the door to a new and exciting time of their life. We must wipe our eyes and let them know how proud we are of how far they have come and yet, remind them that we still hold great expectations for them and what lies ahead in their young lives.

Be that strong encourager of your child today ...hold out the challenge to walk in the admonition of the Lord and to know Him intimately...and in ALL THINGS...TO STAND FIRM IN THE FAITH!

BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE,

WPQ