Adam Walsh's 1981 murder declared solved

[Ed Mahmoud]

Adam Walsh's murder solved.

[azskyman]

How big a story that was back then. It haunted the country. I am glad there is finally closure.

Here's a poem that evolved out of the case of a similar child murder that took place back near my home town in Illinois in 1975.

To All Parents ...by Edgar A. Guest

"I'll lend for a little while a child of mine", He said,
"For you to love the while he lives, and mourn for when he's dead.

It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,
But will you till I call him back, take care of him for Me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and should his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories, as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay; since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there, I want this child to learn.

I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call to take him back again."

I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done!
For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay;

But should the angels call him, much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand."