And Then, Ah Then, We'll Understand (Today's Epitaph)

Edward Young
Born in Lexington, GA June 26, 1860
Died in Greensboro, GA May 26, 1898
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Sleep on Dear Darling!
May Angels guard they sweet repose!

We'll catch the broken threads again,
And finish what we here began!
Heaven will the mysteries explain,
And then, ah then, we'll understand.

Peace to his sacred ashes.

Greensboro City Cemetery
Greene County, Georgia
Photo © 2013 S. Lincecum

The third part of Edward's epitaph is from a hymn written in 1891, Some Time We'll Understand:

Not now, but in the coming years,
It may be in the better land,
We’ll read the meaning of our tears,
And there, some time, we’ll understand.

We’ll catch the broken thread again,
And finish what we here began;
Heav’n will the mysteries explain,
And then, ah then, we’ll understand.

We’ll know why clouds instead of sun
Were over many a cherished plan;
Why song has ceased when scarce begun;
’Tis there, some time, we’ll understand.

God knows the way, He holds the key,
He guides us with unerring hand;
Some time with tearless eyes we’ll see;
Yes, there, up there, we’ll understand.

Then trust in God through all the days;
Fear not, for He doth hold thy hand;
Though dark thy way, still sing and praise,
Some time, some time we’ll understand.