Packing up the dreams that God planted In the fertile soil of you Can't believe the hopes He's granted Means a chapter in your life is through. But we'll keep you close as always. It won't even seem you've gone Cause our hearts in big and small ways Will keep the love that keeps us strong. And friends are friends forever If the Lord's the Lord of them. And a friend will not say "never" Cause the welcome will not end. Though it's hard to let you go In the Father's hands we know That a lifetime's not too long to live as friends. With the faith and love God's given Springing from the hope we know, We will pray the joy you'll live in Is the strength that now you show. But we'll keep you close as always. It won't even seem you've gone Cause our hearts in big and small ways Will keep the love that keeps us strong. Words and music by Deborah D. Smith and Michael W. Smith �1982 Meadowgreen Music Co. (ASCAP)