I lost my little girl to Cancer on November 26th, 1998. She never showed me her pain, although you couldn't help but see how she was no longer the same. I had made a promise to my little girl that I would never keep her here for my benefit. When she was no longer living, and only existing, I had to keep my promise. The hardest promise I have ever had to make, or keep. The following poem is written for my Amanda "J" aka Mandy. Blue Heeler/Shepard Cross. She was 11 1/2 years young! "Amanda J" From the moment that I laid eyes on you, I knew that we were ment to be. You and me together, Fun and fancy free. You taught me strength, You taught me pride. You brought me joy, You made me laugh. You kissed away my tears, And swept away my fears. The many roads we travelled, A rabit here, a gopher there, And lest not forget the cows. You were my protector, My friend, My little baby girl. I made a promise to you, Once upon a time ago. I feared the day, When the time would come, That you would call me on my promise. A promise is a promise, And I would never let you down. So today my little girl, I can see that you are no longer you, I will use what you have taught me through the years. I will be proud, I will be strong, I will be sefless. You are here for me, And me alone, Just as you have always been. I am here for you, And you alone, Just as I have always been. With dignity and pride, Slowly fading away, I will give back to you what you gave to me. I will not walk away, But I will not let you just fade away. With the grace of you My Amanda J I will hold you, I will love you, And I will say good- bye. We may no longer walk side by side. But we walk heart to heart. Till we met again, I will see you in my dreams.