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The story behind the song...

In 1995, shortly after the Oklahoma City Bombing tragedy, 
I attended a songwriter's seminar given by Dave Clark. Near the end of the seminar, Mr. Clark gave each person in the class an assignment: 
"Write a song, putting yourself in the place of a firefighter who is searching for victims in the Oklahoma City Bombing. 
Imagine that you are holding someone in your arms who 
you know is not going to survive, and the song is to be 
your last words to that person." I wrote "I Promise". 

Over the past 20 years, this song has ministered to many people who have lost loved ones. They will never be forgotten! It's message pays tribute to their memory, and also provides encouragement for believers in knowing that we will one day be reunited with our loved ones in Heaven! 

 

I Promise

LYRICS

I Promise
Music & Lyrics ©Cheri DeGruccio

 

I hold you in my arms right now
I can't believe it's true
I never thought I'd see the day
That I'd be losing you
I hope with all my heart that when 
You look into my face
You know I would give anything
If I could take your place
 

And I promise you that I will not
Forget the way you smile
I promise that I will remember you
And if someone can hold a place
Deep within my heart
I promise that it will be you
 

I look into your eyes right now
And wipe away a tear
The pain will soon be gone for good
The final moments near
So close your eyes and hold my hand
And dream of what will be
When Heaven's gates are opening
And Jesus' face you see!
 

And I promise you that I will not
Forget the way you smile
I promise that I will remember you
And if someone can hold a place
Deep within my heart
I promise that it will be you
 

And though you'll soon be gone
I know one day I'll see
Your smiling face again
Looking down at me
 

And I promise you that I will not
Forget the way you smile
I promise that I will remember you
And if someone can hold a place
Deep within my heart
I promise that it will be 
Promise that it will be you

This song is available to download for FREE
by clicking "Download Single" below!
However, IF you would like to donate to support the artist, 
choose any amount above $0.00 on the checkout page.

If you have someone you would like to honor on this page, I would love to include them! Please send me a message below and include your loved one's name and any additional information you would like to have on this page. If you have a link to a memorial website created for them, please also include the link so I can post it.
 

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In Loving Memory...

Victims of the Oklahoma City Bombing
April 19, 1995
168 Angels we will never forget!
View Website 

Marlene Ranney
1962-2004
A beautiful angel who loved God and loved others up until her final moment when she went to meet Jesus.

Amanda Kate Harris
1994-1996
View Website

Christopher C. Acosta July 14, 1978 - Sept 12, 1999, 21 years old 
He was a very responsible person, so gentle and kind hearted, and would do whatever it took for his friends or family. He was at the wrong place at the wrong time, and lost his life while trying to come to the aid of another person who needed help. 

Austin Taylor Smith
Aug 1, 1996- Oct 1, 2007
11 years old 
Austin died October 1 2007 at age 11. He is missed and loved very much by his Mom Stacy, Dad Todd, brothers Caleb and Seth, and sister Dakota. We all Love you to the moon and back again Austin Sweet Never Ending Dreams

Heidi Allyn Reed 1979-2000 
View website

Larry "Travis" Shaun Carter
Oct 27, 1972 - Dec 24, 1998 

Carissa Ellen Hunsaker
Oct. 19, 2004 - Oct. 20, 2005
Angel on earth for a little while, an angel in Heaven for eternity. How we miss her and will never forget her.
View Website 

Meshael Louise Ali Richardson
June 20, 1986 - June 18, 2001
Meshael was my only child - her complete story is tragic and amazing. She was sent for just a short time but impacted on so many during her life and after her passing. She inspires people even now, to carry on and to believe.
View website

Stephen Ronald Goebel
Jan 29, 1971 - Oct 29, 2001
There never was a child more wanted and anticipated than Steve. He was a fiercely loyal friend and family member. 
When Stephen was born, I held him in my arms and I said to him, "Dear baby, I will always protect you; I will never let anything bad happen to you..." I could not keep that promise when he needed me most. 

Jami Heather Hirsch
July 31, 1976 - Feb 2, 2001
Jami was my firstborn: a beautiful talented young woman who died of multiple sclerosis which she had from 17 to 24 years of age. She was my angel and I miss her terribly and will never forget her beautiful smile.
View Website

Wendy Nicole Dickens McCammon August 31, 1976 - March 25, 1998 Murdered 

An Angel with a heart of gold. She never saw evil in anyone.. In March 1998, evil was all around her...
View Website 

Christian Victoria Carrigan
Nov 14, 1986 - Dec 06, 2001
15 years old 
Chrissie was a very special Angel. It was as if she had a Special Mission to carry out. Chrissie lived her whole life with a sense of urgency - living each day to the fullest. She overcame more challenges in fifteen years than most people do in a lifetime - and she did it with grace and love. 
View Website

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© 2025 Cheri DeGruccio - All Rights Reserved

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