Change of Heart

by Roy Huddleston

I did all the best I could,

For as long as my old heart would.

My life was becoming ever more weak,

I had slowly given up never to reach my peak.

My heart, mind, and emotions began to fade,

It was a swift current I could no longer wade.

It was an intense struggle with destiny's finale,

There would be no crown made of holly.

My tired worn body began to fold,

For like all mankind my destiny I would behold.

Without food, want, or care,

I felt my journey would soon lead me over there.

Unaware of the condition of body and soul,

I sought to leave this planet for heaven is my goal.

I accepted the last moments of love from my wife,

My consciousness said, "It's too demanding on your life."

The sacrifice is too much today,

I guess unless something happens I'll be on my way.

Parting is such sweet sorrow as you already know,

My heart is aching, you can stay, and I must go.

In the depths of conflict and the final stand,

God intervenes with yet another plan.

I have a gift for your hour of need,

With this gracious gift you will succeed.

Beyond reasonable capacity to know I was on the edge.

I say yes to the offer and make a life changing pledge,

To accept what is given to me while counting the cost,

What I could not realize, if I do not, all is lost.

Deep into slumber as if in a dream,

When I woke up I did it with a smile, a beam.

All is well and I have received a new start,

While I slept I got a new heart.

Oh the moment when you realize you have a new lease on life,

When you accept the fact, once again you can hug your children and wife.

You have been to the bottom and touched down there,

You wake up with hopes and dreams and know Someone really did care.

I feel so different about my life just now,

My friend made the ultimate sacrifice and I don't know how.

All because God, and you, gave me this fresh start,

You gave, and I received this new change of heart.

Roy Lee Huddleston Jr., 6-17-98

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