Within My Heart

This little song was written in March 1994 in honor of a tiny little child named Joseph Adam.  I think of him now as the sweet "December Child" (December 2nd - December 26th 1993).
Today when I think of him, I also remember another little "December Child".  His name is Joseph too.  My baby brother, Joseph O'Donnell Fries, was born and died on Dec. 11th 1956.
Sadness can be overwhelming.
But both Josephs live forever within our hearts.
And today, on the occasion of my Aunt Anne R. O'Donnell's 92nd birthday,  ( Dec. 10, 1920 - Oct. 7, 1994) I also remember the tears she shed when she heard us sing, "Within My Heart". 
She said that the verse in the song:

"Then, when my time on earth must end, I'll have no fear, I'll have my friend.  The one I love will be with me now and through eternity.  The love that started one spring day will never die or go away..."

made her think of her sister, Dot (Dorothy Regina O'Donnell) who died on June 2nd, 1942 at the age of 22.
Dot was born on Dec. 7th 1919 and Anne was born one year later on Dec. 10, 1920.  They were very close and the best of pals and Anne believed that she would see her beloved sister and dearest friend, Dot, when her time on earth was over.  We had no idea her time on earth would be over later that year.  But it gave me comfort to think that somehow, some way she had her friend, Dot, to meet and embrace her. 
And today I hope and pray and like to believe that they are celebrating their December birthdays together.

Within My Heart

Music: composed by Joseph Carrick

Lyrics: written by Mary Beth Buchner

Copyright: March 1, 1994

Chorus:

You’re here with me,

Within my heart

And there you’ll stay

Your spirit lives inside of me

This part of you will always be

And when I see the sun arise

You’ll see it too

You’ll use my eyes

You’ll use my feet to do your dance

I promise you, you’ll have your chance

You’ll sing your song

You’ll have your day

I’ll never let you go away

I’ll keep your warm and safe and sound

Within my heart

Chorus:

You’re here with me,

Within my heart

And there you’ll stay

Your spirit lives inside of me

This part of you will always be

You’ll build a castle in the sand

You’ll shape its’ form

You’ll use my hands

You’ll run though snow that looks like lace

My ice cream cone’s for you to taste

And when my life is dark and blue

I’ll look inside

And I’ll find you

You’ll put a smile upon my face

You’ll be the breath of peace and grace that sees me though

Chorus (music only)

And as I walk down through the years,

Throughout my life,

The laughs, the tears,

The joy and pain that’s filled my heart

You’ll be there still

You always will

Within my heart

 

Then, when my time on earth must end

I’ll have no fear,

I’ll have my friend

The one I love will be with me

Now and through eternity

The love that started one spring day

Will never die or go away

I’ll keep you warm and safe and sound

I’ll hug you close and feel you here

I’ll keep you warm and safe and sound

Within my Heart