DONNIE

I wrote this a long time ago, while I was grieving the loss of this friend. But I still get a tear in my eye when I think of him. I just want to share him with my friends here.

 

DONNIE

 

  

I remember the first time
Donnie and I met
He was searching for a bar
So his troubles he could forget.

 

 Along came a group of us ladies

Who'd just witnessed God's powerful ways,

And Christine recognized Don,

From their childhood days.

  

"You all seem so joyful."

He said as we passed by.  

"I'd like to be that happy.

 Where did you get that high?

 

  We told him we were coming

From a conference down the hall.

 There would be a few more meetings

And we planned to attend them all.  

 

"If you really want this lasting joy  

Which comes from God above,

You should come along with us  

And experience His love."

 

 

He realized immediately

Our meeting wasn't happenstance

It was arranged by the Lord of life  

To give him another chance.

 

For he'd strayed so far, and tried so much,  

But he always seemed to fail

Yet Jesus never abandoned him  

Even when he was in jail. 

 

For a visitor named Jackie  

Went to spread the love of the Lord.  

She cast the line for Donnie,

By humbly sharing God's word.

 

Yes the Spirit had been working  

On his heart for quite a while  

We simply reeled him in, 

With a kind word and a smile. 

 

He attended the rest of those meetings

 Instead of seeking booze and drugs.

His face just glowed with the love of the Lord.  

And we encouraged him with hugs.

 

His life was transformed, 

He got a job, and dated a girl from home.  

God surely was providing

So he wouldn't need to roam.  

 

At last he had discovered  

What truly made his life worthwhile.  

Every time I saw him,  

He greeted me with a hug and smile.

 

I regret that our paths haven't crossed much

In the last few months of time,

For the other night he was brutally knifed, 

And cut down in his prime.

 

I'll miss his welcoming smiles and hugs  

Which always meant so much,  

For God always seemed to send him

When I needed a little touch.  

 

I hope that in God's love and grace  

He readily continued to grow.  

And some day I will see again

This young man, called Donnie Breau.

 

(c)Ellen Hammond July 1992

Reviews

[~*~Peace Keeper~*~]

Wow...you did a wonderful job...and i just hope that we can all be a light to someone like this so they may know God's love...for we all need his guiding hand no matter what...i just hope that we have the courge to do what He asks us to...for sometimes we hesitate and lose the opportunity to do so and later down the road we wished we stepped in and give a kind word and a smile...for sometimes i think back and wish i did.
Great Job :)

[Valerie Dean Belew]

That is both a happy and sad poem. How sad, that this happened just as he was beginning to find happiness, and purpose. He may have experienced relapse, as if common with addiction and all of life, but I dont believe he would have been forsaken for a moment. Lovely poem, lovely thought. V

[Debra Stevens Edwards (..]

This is one of many ways we can do the Lords bidding as often seen today.so many people are searching for a better way, giving each of us a unique to serve him and help others at the same time. Beautiful job and well written.
Hugs
Debby

[Gheeneil]

The Holy Spirit always works in so many wondrous ways. Sometimes, it is just too incomprehensible to be put into human understanding. But, it does things perfectly for us. Again, this is written with wisdom. Thanks for sharing His word.

[Pratibha]

he will grow in GOD's presence ELLEN though I know that you would always remember and miss him and I am so happy to see you love him unconditionally and accepting him with all his flaws...this confidence changed him

[Valentine]

This is truly an inspirational testimony of God's love and His forgiving nature for all of us if we only turn to Him..Very nice testimony..loved it..God bless..Valentine

[BABSIE BEE]

This is WAW !! Your friend sounded such a lost soul till you helped him find his way to be found. He would I'm sure thank you today for the time that he was allowed to share with you and your friends. It's a very deep, personal and emotional poem. Thanks so much for sharing this part of Donnie's life with us.
Babsie Bee xx

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

A wonderful story of redemption to inspire us all... may he rest in piece and we know God has one more angel to help spread the word.

[Mark]

As ever, my dear sweet friend, you are the best at taking the hard painful events of this life, and converting them seamlessly into inspiring, uplifting testimonies. God certainly sent you to Donnie, but have you considered that he was a gift to you as well, and not just as a friend, but a completed task, a proof of your devotion to the cause...And through you, to countless others as well?

[Sean Allen]

Very nice, a poem that tells a story. I enjoyed reading this very much and am glad that you recommended it to me. You know me as Sean, but my real name is Donn and my mother called me Donnie all the time.

[Anita B Jacques]

Oh Ellen, a beautiful write. I'm glad Donnie touched your life and your friends, the memories will last forever, thanks be to Our Heavenly Father, and so sad to all who knew him., the pain from his tragic death.Thank you for sharing with us,God bless you.