This is one reason I pursue genealogy

The Strength of God’s Eternal Love
By Jasper Dekalb Terrell, MD (1841-1905)
My Great-Great-Grandfather

Is there to each an Angel given,
A min’string Spirit sent from Heaven,
To guide our way and watch our feet,
Lest we some dire disaster meet?

If not, then why in lonely hours
Does memory oft with sudden powers,
Bring back so near to sight anew
A form and face long lost to view?

It must be true, for I have been
Where the dear face I’ve almost seen;
So near, I’ve felt the breath of love
Across my heartstrings gently move.

The voice I’ve almost heard to speak,
T’encourage me when I was weak,
To bid me bear my cross and prove
A faithful heir to heaven above.