At suppertime we get our plates

And load them with simple fare

When we sit and say the blessing

I glance at the empty chair

As I lift my fork to eat

Memories flood my weary mind

Of my oldest missing here

Memories resting on heart's wind

Your smile is absent from our table

Sister says it isn't fair

Too young to understand choices

That took you from your place there

We remember your warm brown eyes

And the matching chestnut hair

Your laughter echoes in our hearts

As we look upon the empty chair

But you are where you chose to be

Even though we miss you much

On your path in search of happiness

I would not restrain you such

That you could not learn and grow

To undertake this journey

Your own road is the one you follow

Parting is sometimes necessary

Yet parting is the harder part

For those in either place to bear

When a family loses one

She leaves behind her empty chair.

-- 1995