"A Million Times"

A million times we've needed you,

    A million times we've cried.

    If love alone could've saved you,

    You never would have died.

    In life we loved you dearly,

    In death we love you still.

    In our hearts you hold a place,

    No one else will ever fill.

    It broke our hearts to lose you,

    But you didn't go alone.

    Part of us went with you,

    The day God took you home. 

(author unknown)

​

You've just walked on ahead of me

And I've got to understand

You must release the ones you love

And let go of their hand.

I try and cope the best I can

But I'm missing you so much

If I could only see you

And once more feel your touch.

 

Yes, you've just walked on ahead of me

Don't worry I'll be fine

But now then I swear I feel

Your hand slip into mine.

 

Our memories build a special bridge

When loved ones have to part

To help us feel were with them still

And soothe a grieving heart

They span the years and warm our lives

Preserving ties that bind

Our memories build a special bridge

And bring us peace of mind.

  (Emily Matthews)

​

 

Weep not for me though I am gone into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long upon my soul's sweet flight.

I am at peace; my soul's at rest there is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed for all those many years.

There is no pain; I suffer not, the fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts, in your memory I live on.

Remember not my fight for breath, remember not the strife.
Please do not dwell upon my death, but celebrate my life.

(author unknown)

​

The tide recedes, but leaves behind

Bright seashells on the sand.

The sun goes down but gentle warmth

Still lingers on the land.

The music stops and yet it lingers on

In sweet refrain.

For every joy that passes

Something beautiful remains

(Martha Vashti Pearson)

​

​

Those we love don't go away,

They walk beside us every day,

Unseen, unheard, but always near,

Still loved, still missed, and very dear.

(author unknown)

​

                         

 

While the sun is up there shining 

and the seasons come and go 

while the rivers keep on flowing

I will always love you so.

 

While the stars keep twinkling brightly

in the vastness of the sky,

I'll be happy in the knowledge 

we're together you and I.

 

I look forward to our future 

and making our dreams come true,

because there's no-one else in all the world 

who means more to me than you...

 

... so while the world keeps turning

deep down in my heart I know,

we'll always be together

because we love each other so.

(author unknown)

​

​

Matthew, Mark, Luke and John

Bless the bed that I lie on

There are four corners to my bed

Four angels round my head

One to watch and one to pray

And two to take my soul away

Now I lay me down to sleep

I pray the lord my soul to keep

If I die before I wake

I pray the lord my soul to take.

​

​

"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together ... There is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart ... I'll always be with you.

(from 'Winnie the Pooh' by A A Milne)

​

 

 

When a person you love passes away,

Look to the night sky on a clear day,

The star that to you, appears to be bright,

Will be your loved one,

Looking  upon you during the night.

 

The lights of Heaven are what shows through,

 

 

As your loved one watches all that you do,

 

When you feel lonely for the one that you love,

Look to the Heavens in the night sky above

(author unknown)

 

 

"The Comfort and Sweetness of Peace"

After the clouds, the sunshine,

after the winter, the spring,

after the shower, the rainbow,

for life is a changeable thing.

 

After the night, the morning,

bidding all darkness cease,

after life࣡res and sorrows,

the comfort and sweetness of peace.

(Helen Steiner Rice)

​

 

Fairies all around us
Put magic in the air
To help us with our daily lives
And let us know they care.

Fairies in the garden
Colour the flowers bright
To make our days more happy
And sweeten up our nights.

Fairies in the shadows
Touch us though unseen
With tender loving little hands
And hearts oh so serene.

(author unknown)

​

​

 

When I am dead, my dearest,

         Sing no sad songs for me;

Plant thou no roses at my head,

         Nor shady cypress tree:

Be the green grass above me

         With showers and dewdrops wet;

And if thou wilt, remember,

         And if thou wilt, forget.

 

​

​

I shall not see the shadows,

         I shall not feel the rain;

I shall not hear the nightingale

         Sing on, as if in pain:

And dreaming through the twilight

         That doth not rise nor set,

Haply I may remember,

         And haply may forget. 
(Christina Rossetti)

​

​

​

"You Meant So Much"

You meant so much to all of us
You were special and that's no lie
You brightened up the darkest day
And the cloudiest sky

Your smile alone warmed hearts
Your laugh was like music to hear
We would give absolutely anything
To have you well and standing near

Not a second passes
When you're not on our minds
Your love we will never forget
The hurt will ease in time

Many tears we have seen and cried
They have all poured out like rain
we know that you are happy now
And no longer in any pain.

(Cassie Mitchell)

​

​

"The Smile"

I shot a smile into the air

It came to earth I know not where

Perhaps on someone else's  face

In some forgotten quiet place.

 

Perhaps somewhere a sleeping child

Has had a happy dream and smiled

Or some old soul about to die

Has smiled and made a little sigh.

 

Has sighed a simple funeral prayer

Which lifts up gently in the air

And flows into the world so wild

Perhaps to wake the sleeping child.

​

 

"The Magic of a Mother's Touch"

There's magic in a Mother's touch,
and sunshine in her smile.
There's love in everything she does
to make our lives worthwhile.
We can find both hope and courage
Just by looking in her eyes.
Her laughter is a source of joy,
her works are warm and wise.
There is a kindness and compassion
to be found in her embrace,
and we see the light of heaven
shining from a Mother's face.
(Anonymous)

​

 

For all the times you gently picked me up,
When I fell down,
For all the times you tied my shoes
And tucked me into bed,
Or needed something
But put me first instead.
For everything we shared,
The dreams, the laughter,
And the tears,
I love you with a Special Love
That deepens every year.
Thank You Mum

​

​

"In memory of my mother"

You were a precious gift from God above,
so much beauty, grace and love.
You touched our hearts in so many ways,
your smile so bright even on the bad days.
You heard God's whisper calling you home,
you didn't want to go and leave us alone.
You loved us so much, you held on tight,
till all the stregnth was gone and you could no longer fight.
He had called your name twice before,
you knew you couldn't make him wait anymore.
So you gave your hand to God and slowly drifted away,
knowing that with our love we will be together again some day.
(Mary Estelle)

​

​

"A Legacy of Love"

A wife, a mother, a nanny too,
This is the legacy we have from you.
You taught us love and how to fight,
You gave us strength, you gave us might.
A stronger person would be hard to find,
And in your heart, you were always kind.
You fought for us all in one way or another,
Not just as a wife not just as a mother.
For all of us you gave your best,
Now the time has come for you to rest.
So go in peace, you've earned your sleep,
Your love in our hearts, we'll eternally keep.

(author unknown)

​

You can only have one mother
Patient kind and true;
No other friend in all the world,
Will be the same to you.

When other friends forsake you,
To mother you will return,
For all her loving kindness,
She asks nothing in return.

As we look upon her picture,
Sweet memories we recall,
Of a face so full of sunshine,
And a smile for one and all.

Sweet Jesus, take this message,
To our dear mother up above;
Tell her how we miss her,
And give her all our love.

( Irish Funeral Prayer)

​

Your mother is always with you.

She's  the whisper of the leaves

As you walk down the street.

She's  the smell of bleach

In your freshly laundered socks.

She's  the cool hand on your brow

When you're not well.

Your mother lives inside your laughter.

She's crystallized in every tear drop.

She's  the place you came from,

Your first home.

She's  the map you follow

With every step you take.

She's  your first love

And your first heartbreak

And nothing on earth can separate you.

​

How do we let a mother go?
How do we say "I'm ready now to go on without you"?
How can we ever have a clue of what that really means?
And of a sudden the moment is upon us, and there's no turning back.
And then we know what grief is,... and guilt and love and things undone.
Try to prepare and we will fail in some way, be it subtle or looming....

But there is peace too. peace and acceptance and overwhelming love that we maybe weren't aware of. waves and waves of conflicting emotion,
And laughter too, and memories we hadn't bothered lately to recall come flooding back in shared company.. and it's all about you mum...

And there's gratitude.. so much of that, that we had you, such a wonderful mother...
Bright and shining, nobody's fool, independent, but humble too;
Smart, and kind, and fun.
Adventurous..
A part of you has passed away, but much is carried everyday within us, and will as long as we are here.

This may be a final tribute,
A day to celebrate your life and say goodbyes;
But it's not final. 
Every day Weì  celebrate in some way, just by the virtue of how you shaped our life,
The absolute and incredible fortune that we knew you.
As a mother, a friend and a woman.

(author unknown)

​

 

"Grandmother"
We had a wonderful grandmother,
One who never really grew old;
Her smile was made of sunshine,
And her heart was solid gold;
Her eyes were as bright as shining stars,
And in her cheeks fair roses you see.
We had a wonderful grandmother,
And that' s the way it will always be.
But take heed, because
She's still keeping an eye on all of us,
So let's make sure
She will like what she sees.

​

 

 

Of all the days throughout our lives,

The saddest one has come,

For life will never be the same,

Without our loving Mum.

And though our hearts are breaking,

And will for quite a while,

We'll remember all the love she gave,

And the radiance of her smile.

A Mother's love provides the rock,

We build our lives upon,

It will stay with us forever,

And help us carry on.

(author unknown)

​

 

Each night we shed a silent tear,
As we speak to you in prayer.
To let you know we love you,
And just how much you care.
Take our million teardrops,
Wrap them up in love,
Then ask the wind to carry them,
To you in heaven above

​

A SPECIAL MUM

There is a pain that's yearning

For the loss of our precious Mum

You wonder how you cope

Through the days and nights to come

Well there is an answer

And it lies within our hearts

For that is where she is

And will never be apart

Just think of her smiling

Being Happy, even sad

For all these things together

Are what made her

Our Special Mum

​

Hush my darlings, hush be still

I had to leave you it was god's call

Hush my darlings do not cry

For I am standing here right by

 

I have not gone for good you see

I am always right here and join for tea

But alas you cannot see me and all that I give

Hush my darlings I am not dead I still live

 

When you feel down or very low

I will pick you up as I did below

There will be joy and laughter in your heat

When you realise that we are never apart

 

You will sing and dance once more again

Bright sunshine will fill you instead of rain

I live I live I live to tell these

Just a thought you need to remember me

 

In each flower plant or bird you see

We are all part of this you and me

So look at all things with gentle love and care

We will meet again I am just waiting there

 

Remember the good times never the bad

We loved together and shared the sad

Remember how precious and dear you are to me

Remember I am right here with you if only you could see.

​

Time has taken me from you,
although not very far.
I'll be watching through the sunshine
and through the brightest star.

I'll be watching all of you,
From the heavens up above.
So take good care of each other
and carry all my love.

If you're ever wondering
if I'm there, here's where you can start.
Take a look inside yourself
deep within your heart.

I'll always be your Wife,
Mother, Nan and sister.
So anytime you need me,
close your eyes and I'll there

​

 

What can you say
To someone who has always been one of
The most essential parts of your world;
Someone who took you by the hand
When you were little
And helped to show the way.

What do you say to someone
Who stood by to help you grow,
Providing love, strength and support
So you could become the person you are today?

What can you say to let her know
That she's the best there is,
And that you hope you've inherited
Some of her wisdom and strength?

What words would you say
If you ever got the chance?
Maybe you just say,
I love you Mum,
And hope she understands.

​

 

"The Watcher"

She always leaned to watch for us,

Anxious if we were late,

In the winter by the window,

In the summer by the gate,

And though we mocked her tenderly,

Who had such foolish care,

The long way home would seem more sense,

Because she was waiting there.

Her thoughts were so full of us,

She never would forget,

And so I think thatà·¨ere she is,

She must be watching yet,

Waiting till we come home to her,

Anxious if we were late,

Watching from heaven's window,

Leaning from heaven's gate

(Helena Steiner Rice)

​

 

"My Mum" by Michael Ashby

 Where did it go? My mother once asked

As the clock tick-tocked  and her life flew past

In the race against time she led for most of the way

But the track was endless unlike her last day

Take care of your father, promise you will

as she passed on the baton she would never spill

So polish the stars and fire up the sun

And put out some slippers to welcome my mum

Find a new galaxy and light up her name

Because life on planet Earth just won't be the same

​

​

In a magic castle just beyond my eye
my mother plays with angel toys that money just can't buy
who am I to wish her back
into this world of strife
no, play on mum
you have eternal life

at night when all is silent
and sleep forsakes my eyes
I hear her softest footsteps come walking to my side
her gentle hands caress me, so tenderly and sweet
I'll breathe a sigh, close my eyes, embrace her in my sleep

now we have a treasure we can rate above all other
we have known true glory, she is still our mother.

​

​

Our nan was an angel from heaven,
Sent down for us all to share,
We were given the chance to love her,
And feel the comfort of having her there.

She was a gift more valuable,
Than diamonds, silver or gold,
We were given the loveliest Nanny of all,
To cherish and to hold.

We felt great pain in losing her,
Which would lessen in time we knew,
And accept that our angel,
Had done all she came to do.

She had found the other half of her,
Loved five daughters endlessly,
Watched them grow and fall in love,
And then a Nan, a great Nan and a great, great Nan she was proud to be.

Her family grew larger each year,
And each she loved so much,
So when it was time to leave for home,
She wasn't in a rush.

She showed us all her strength and love,
By bravely fighting hard to stay,
So they came down, those she'd loved and lost,
To show her it was ok.

And as we cry at saying goodbye,
There are those beyond sight but near,
Our loved ones who are already home,
Will be shouting, "look, she's here"

Let us all smile and wipe our tears,
And rejoice that we knew her at all,
For as a gift lent to us,
...., the loveliest angel of all.

​

"What Makes A Dad"

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... "DAD!"

(Author Unknown)

​

​

"Dad"

We'll always remember
that special smile,
that caring heart,
that warm embrace,
you always gave us.
You being there
for Mom and us
through good and bad times,
no matter what.
We'll always remember
you Dad because
they'll never be another one
to replace you in our hearts,
and the love we will always
have for you.
(Anon)

​

 

What would I give to clasp his hand,
His happy face to see,
To hear his voice, and see his smile
That meant so much to me.

The rolling stream of life rolls on.
But still the vacant chair
Recalls the love, the voice, the smile
Of the one who once sat there.

Nothing can ever take away
The love a heart holds dear.
Fond memories linger every day,
Remembrance keeps him near.

He had a nature you could not help loving,
And a heart that was purer than gold,
And to those who knew him and loved him
His memory will never grow cold.

You're not forgotten, father dear
Nor ever shall you be
As long as life and memory last
I shall remember thee.

​

​

What can you say to someone who has always been one of the most essential parts of your world; Someone who took you by the hand when you were little and helped to show the way. What do you say to someone who stood by to help you grow, Providing love, strength and support, so you could become the person you are today? What can you say to let him know that he's the best there is, and that you hope you've inherited some of his wisdom and strength? What words would you say if you ever got the chance? Maybe you just say, I love you Dad, and hope he understands.

​

​

 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

​

​

"Grandad is coming for Grandma

We all know it ....we all feel it

Just as the sun can be felt through a windowpane

Grandad presence comes here time and time again

Day by day he comes

And he lingers by her side

He waits for death to claim her

When heartbeat and breath subside

He sees her fight the battle

We know she just can't

And tells her to be brave and strong              

She'll soon be with him again

He gently takes her hand in his

The softest of touches he makes

Grandad spirit gently caresses her skin

As he touches his sweetheart's face

On occasion Grandma can feel him now

How wonderful it seems!

A moment's rest through this battle stage

Like a sweet and beautiful dream

And for one brief moment she forgets her pain

And feels much like a young new bride

She yearns to see Grandad's face again

To never leave his side

So while we wait through the days and hours

Till the dreaded goodbye must come

Grandad waits with growing excitement

He's been without her far too long

Grandad understands the sorrow we feel

For we also once mourned him in grief

He stands by our side to lend us support

And hopes we'll find comfort and peace..."

"And when that final, sacred moment came

Grandma slipped just beyond our grasp

And Grandad embraced her with open arms

Welcoming her home at last  .."

​

​

"Mum is coming for Dad

We all know it ....we all feel it

Just as the sun can be felt through a windowpane

Mums presence comes here time and time again

 

Day by day she comes

And she lingers by his side

She waits for death to claim him

When heartbeat and breath subside

 

She sees him fight the battle

We know he just can't

And tells him to be brave and strong              

he will soon be with her again

 

She gently takes his hand in hers

the softest of touches she makes

Mums spirit gently caresses his skin

As she touches her sweetheart's face

 

On occasion dad can feel her now

How wonderful it seems!

A moment's rest through this battle stage

Like a sweet and beautiful dream

 

And for one brief moment he forgets his pain

And feels much like a young new groom

He yearns to see Mum's  face again

To never leave her side

 

So while we wait through the days and hours

Till the dreaded goodbye must come

Mum waits with growing excitement

She's been without him far too long

 

Mum understands the sorrow we feel

For we also once mourned her in grief

She stands by our side to lend us support

And hopes we'll find comfort and peace..."

 

And when that final, sacred moment came

Dad slipped just beyond our grasp

And Mum embraced him with open arms

Welcoming him home at last 

(adapted by the Collis family - in memory of Dad)

​

​

"Gone Fishing"

I've finished life's chores assigned to me,
So put me on a boat headed out to sea.
Please send along my fishing pole
For I've been invited to the fishin' hole.

Where every day is a day to fish,
To fill your heart with every wish.
Don't worry, or feel sad for me,
I'm fishin' with the Master of the sea.

We will miss each other for awhile,
But you will come and bring your smile.
That won't be long you will see,
Till we're together you and me.

To all of those that think of me,
Be happy as I go out to sea.
If others wonder why I'm missin'
Just tell 'em I've gone fishin'

(Delmar Pepper)

​

​

 

"A Cup of Tea"

 When your days are hard and lonely
And as stormy as can be
There's nothing quite as tranquil
As a nice hot cup of tea

While you savour this ambrosia
Your problems fade away
Its warmth will bring you comfort
And brighten up your day

So take a private moment friends
and please do think of me
but sit down nice and calmly first
and sip a cup of tea.

 

And with each sip please send a smile

For Iì ¢e smiling too

Remember with each cup of tea

The times I sat with you.

(by Amy Carol-Anne Williams in memory of her Nan, Pat Harris)

​

 

 

"The Angel of Reflection"

A stranger stood beside my bed

and asked me of the life I've led,

Of all the things both good and bad,

the laughter days and then the sad.

He asked me to reflect on things,

for all were sent on angels wings.

To teach me life in all it's dressings,

so many ways with countless blessings.

He then smiled gently and touched my head,

forgiving me for things unsaid.

He carefully wrapped me round in light,

that filled my soul with deep delight.

I realised then that this golden soul,

had rescued me from life's arduous toll.

Giving me vision to review all that I had done,

freeing me to go forward and have some fun.

(author unknown)

 

 

"Because He Lived"

Because he lived, many a Grandchild

To see him coming often smiled

And thought him their devoted friend

Who gladly gave them coins to spend.

 

Because he lived, a neighbour knew

A clump of tall delphiniums blue.

And oriental poppies red

Faces Heaven from their flower bed

 

Because he lived a man in need

Was grateful for a kindly deed

And ever after tried to be

As thoughtful and as fine as he.

 

Because he lived, nor great or proud,

Or known to all the motley crowd

A few there were whose tents were pitched

Near his and found their lives enriched

(Edgar A.Guest)

​

​

​

Keep my memory with you,
For memories never die;
I will be there with you,
When you look across the sky.
I will be there in the clouds,
In the birds that fill the air;
In the beauty of a fragrant rose,
You will find my memory there.

You will feel me in the tenderness,
Of a tiny baby's touch;
You will hear me if you listen,
In the twilight's gentle hush.
When your hearts are heavy,
And you feel that you are alone;
Just reach down deep inside of you,
For your heart is now my home.

I will always be with you,
I will never go away;
For I will live on in your hearts,
Forever and a day.
(Allison Chambers Coxsey)

​

​

Hand in hand with angels, through the world we go 
brighter eyes are on us than we blind ones know 
tender voices cheer us than we deaf ones know 
tho we may be on our own ,were never alone 

Hand in hand with angels, some are out of sight 
leading us unknowing into paths of light 
some soft hands are covered from our mortal grasp 
soul in soul to hold us with a firmer clasp 

Hand in hand with angels ever let us go 
clinging to the strong ones, drawing up the slow 
one electric love chord, thrilling all with fire 
soar we through vast ages , higher ever higher .

​

​

"The Clock of Life"

The clock of life is wound but once,
And no man has the power
To tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour.

To lose one's wealth is sad indeed,
To lose one's health is more,
To lose one೯ul is such a loss
That no man can restore.

The present only is our own,
So Live, Love, toil with a will
Place no faith in tomorrow
                                               For the clock may then be still.                                             

(Robert H. Smith)

​

 

 

The countryside is fresh and green again

After the long winter sleep.  The trees

Are putting on their dresses new, and

Stretching out their arms to beckon us

Back to their cool shade.  Along the bank

The primrose shyly peeps,

And birds are busy at the task of fashioning anew,

A little home of moss and twigs,

So beautifully done, with patient skill.

How can the world lose hope

When every year, this miracle unfolds

Before our sight. And Spring has come.

 

The daffodils are shaken by the breeze

In all the cottage gardens, as I pass

Along the winding road below the hill.

The rooks are building high again this year,

To tell us that the summer will be fine

As the old folks say.  On every side I see

That nature is at work, and only I am still.

How many of these mornings shall I greet

Before the last cold winter comes?

No-one can know.  But I must drink my fill

Of all this beauty that is here again.

Was that the cuckoo calling? Yes Spring is here at last.

(Marjorie Wavell)

​

 

I cannot change it now.

The life I have,  so I must be content.

No more regret for things that might have been

So peace came to me and I slept

(Marjorie Wavell)

​

​

Remembrance is a golden chain

Death tries to break, but all in vain.

To have, to love, and then to part

Is the greatest sorrow of one's heart.

The years may wipe out many things

But some they wipe out never.

Like memories of those happy times

When we were all together.

(author unknown)

​

​

​

On the road that all must tread,

you have travelled on ahead.

Out into the morning light,

 out of reach

and out of sight

But never very far away, for every

night and every day

On wings of memory,

something brings you back to me

Some simple and familiar thing,

will start my heart remembering

The times we had, the good the bad,

the days the years,

sweet thing and sad

A time, a joke, a cup of tea,

something brings you back to me.

​

​

There's  always another tomorrow,

However dark the sky,

There's  always an end to sorrow,

Time wipes out tears away.

There's  always a reason for living,

Though sad your heart may be,

There's  always another horizon,

Beyond the one you see.

(author unknown)

​

​

Each night we shed a silent tear,
As we speak to you in prayer.
To let you know we love you,
And just how much you care.
Take our million teardrops,
Wrap them up in love,
Then ask the wind to carry them,
To you in heaven above.

​

​

Perhaps, if we could see the splendor of the land to which our loved ones are called from you and me we'd understand. Perhaps, if we could hear the welcome they receive from old, familiar voices all so dear we would not grieve.  Perhaps, if we could know the reason why they went we'd smile and wipe away the tears that flow.  We's  wait content.

​

​

 

The chapel is full of people who came to say goodbye

but no one wants to see you go,

And we're all left asking why.

In our pain and tears we share,

A heart that cannot heal,

But in our minds we will keep

memories no one else can steal.

We all feel your hand in ours,

and see your loving face,

You haven'tne we feel you here,

a love we can't replace.

You meant so much to each of us

And in our hearts you'll always be,

We hope you can see how precious you were

to them, to us and to me.

(author unknown)

​

 

Don't  think of him as gone away

His journeys just begun

Life holds so many facets

This earth is only one.

 

Just think of him as resting

From the sorrows and the tears

In a place of warmth and comfort

Where there are no days and years.

 

Think how he must be wishing

That we could know today

How nothing but our sadness

Can really pass away.

 

And think of him as living

In the hearts of those he touched

For nothing loved is ever lost

And he was loved so much.

(author unknown)

​

Though life may be past enduring, the happy times that we knew are still there. In the moments that you remember, be sure that I will be there. In future years, when tears come unbidden, think of the good times, the fun things we had together.  When the passage of time has pulled the memory of my passing, think of all we did fit into the short time we had.  In times of sadness, when you think of what could have been, remember this ... we'd a fuller life than most people realise.

​

​

"When tomorrow starts without me"

When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not here to see,
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me.
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things
We didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you
And each time you think of me
I know you'll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me
Please try to understand
That an angel came and called my name
And took me by the hand
And said my place was ready
In heaven far above
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
And so much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible
That I was leaving you.
I thought of all the love we've shared,
And all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
I thought, for just a while,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you
And maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized
That this could never be
For emptiness and memories
Would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things
That I'd miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you and when I did,
My heart was filled with sorrow.
So when tomorrow starts without me
Don't think were far apart...
For everytime you think of me,
I'm right here in your heart

(By Michael D. Miller)

​

​

​

"Stepping Stones"

My life has been

like stepping stones,

Some stood together,

some stood alone.

As life like the water

rushed on by

Some stones made wet,

some stones stayed dry.

As years like the stones

came and went

Some stones were shakey,

some heaven sent.

As love like the snowflakes

fell from the sky,

Some touched the stones,

some floated by.

So now my journey's ended

and I've found dry land.

God is there as always

to reach and take my hand.

(author unknown)

​

​

​

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,

I'm following paths God made for me

I took his hand, I heard him call

Then turned, and bid farewell to all

 

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to sing, to play

Tasks left undone must stay that way

I found my peace ... at close of play

 

And if my parting left a void

Then fill it with remembered joy

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss

Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

 

Be not burdened... deep with sorrow

I wish you sunshine of tomorrow

My life's been full I've savoured much

Good friends, good times

A loved one's touch/

 

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief

Don't lengthen it now with grief

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wants me now ... He set me free.

(or alternative last line = The joy of love and life - for now I'm free) 

​

 

As we look back over time
We find ourselves wondering .....
Did we remember to thank you enough
For all you have done for us?
For all the times you were by our sides
To help and support us .....
To celebrate our successes
To understand our problems
And accept our defeats?
Or for teaching us by your example,
The value of hard work, good judgment,
Courage and integrity?
We wonder if we ever thanked you
For the sacrifices you made.
And for the simple things
Like laughter, smiles and times we shared?
If we have forgotten to show our
Gratitude enough for all the things you did,
We're thanking you now.
And we are hoping you knew all along,
How much you meant to us.

​

 

 

Gone, but not forgotten
This pain, I cannot hide
In memory, I see you
A million tears, we've cried.

The tender thoughts you left me
Come to my memory
Your loving smile, so precious
Will always be with me.

You will visit me in summer
When flowers are in bloom
Upon a ray of sunshine
A star-lit night in June.

When winds are gently blowing
Across a cloudless sky
Within a rolling meadow
Where horse and cattle lie.

I will see you in the treetops
As summer comes to be
In shadows, you will linger
A soul so young and free.

I will see you in the garden
Your scent will fill the air
Just like a precious flower
A rose, so ever fair.

On country roads, I will find you
Along the wooded lane
Within the distant thunder
I will see you in the rain.

In early hush of morning
You will come without a sound
Upon a blazing sunset
Your memory can be found.

Like sprigs of morning glory
Upon the vine, they grow
With branches reaching outward
Into my heart, you go.

Just like a special angel
God wrapped you in His care
And took you off to heaven
To live with Him, up there.

But often, I will see you
Upon a light blue sky
And long so much to hold you
Why did you have to die?

(by Marilyn Ferguson)

​

​

​

If I should ever leave you,
Whom I love
To go along the silent way,
Grieve not,
Nor speak of me with tears.

But laugh and talk of me
as if I were beside you there
For I will come-I'll come!
Would I not find a way,
Were tears and grief not be barriers?

And when you hear a song or see a bird I loved,
Please do not let your thoughts of me be sad.
For I am loving you just as I always have . . .
You who were so good to me!

There are so many things I wanted still to do-
So many things to say to you, but
Remember, please, that I did not fear death.
It was just leaving you that was so hard to face.

You cannot see beyond this life
But this you know . . . I loved you so.

Never doubt that I am with you still!
For love does not die with the body
And nothing in heaven or on earth
Can keep apart those who love.

(author unknown)

​

​

God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace

(Reinhold Niebuhr)

​

​

Feel no guilt in laughter, she knows how much you care

  Feel no sorrow in a smile that she's not here to share

  You cannot grieve forever, she would not want you to

  She'd hope that you could carry on, the way you always do

  So talk about the good times and the ways you showed you cared

  The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared

  A word someone may say

  Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day

  That brings her back as clearly as though she were still here

  And fills you with the feelings that she is always near

  For if you keep these moments, you will never be apart

  And she will live forever locked safely within your heart

​

​

The Lake of Innisfree (W B Yeats)

I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,

And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made:

Nine bean-rows will I have there, a hive for the honey-bee;

And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,

Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;

There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,

And evening full of the linnet's wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day

I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;

While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements grey,

I hear it in the deep heart's core.

​

​

Your gentle face and patient smile
With sadness we recall,
You had a kindly word for each
And died beloved by all.

The voice is mute and
stilled the heart
"That loved us well and true,
Ah, bitter was the trial to part
From one so good as you.

You are not forgotten loved one
Nor will you ever be,
As long as life and memory last
we will remember thee.

We miss you now, our hearts are sore,
As time goes by we miss you more.
Your loving smile, your gentle face,
No one can fill your empty place.

(author unknown)

​

​

"Angels"

When you were born, an angel smiled,

As you became a child, an angel sat on your shoulder,

When you became an adult, an angel held your hand

As you grew old, an angel walked down the road with you,

And, when you died, another angel got their wings.

​

​

 

"The Rose Beyond The Wall"

Near shady wall a rose once grew,
budded and blossomed in God's free light,
Watered and fed by morning dew,
Shedding it's sweetness day and night.

As it grew and blossomed fair and tall,
Slowly rising to loftier height,
It came to a crevice in the wall,
Through which there shone a beam of light.

Onward it crept with added strength,
With never a thought of fear or pride,
It followed the crevice-length
And unfolded itself on the other side.

The light, the dew, the broadening view,
Were found the same as they were before
And it lost itself in beauties new,
Breathing its fragrance more and more.

Shall claim of death cause us to grieve
And make our courage faint or fall?
Nay, let us faith and hope receive
The rose still grows beyond the wall.

Scattering fragrance far and wide,
Just as it did in days of yore,
Just as it did on the other side,
Just as it will forevermore.

(A.L.Frink)

​

​

Love never disappears for death is a non-event.

I have merely retired to the room next door.

You and I are the same; what we were for each other, we still are.

Speak to me as you always have, do not use a different tone, do not be sad.

Continue to laugh at what made us laugh.

Smile and think of me.

Life means what it has always meant.

The link is not severed.

Why should I be out of your soul if I am out of your sight?

I will wait for you, I am not here, but just on the other side of this path.

You see, all is well.

--St. Augustine

​

​

The Thought of You 

Everything that's lovely brings the thought of you.  

Moon and sun and starlight ... rainbows in the blue. 

Snowflakes in the winter ... lilacs in the spring. 

Roses in the summer ... songbirds on the wing.

Fragrance of the garden ... bells upon the breeze. 

Children's happy laughter ... music of the trees. 

All these things are woven through my memory. 

Everything that's lovely brings you back to me.

Always I'll remember. 

How could I forget ...

when these sweet reminders round my path are set? 

Everything that thrills me ... all that's good and true

fills me with the magic of the thought of you.

(author unknown)

​

​

A Letter From Heaven

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say,
Though first of all to let you know I arrived OK.
I'm writing this from heaven, here I dwell with God above,
Here there's no more tears of sadness, here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy because I am out of sight,
Remember I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said "I welcome you".
"It's good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone,
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly, you're part of my great plan,
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do,
And foremost on that list - was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in your bed at night the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you...in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years,
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry; it helps relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers unless there was some rain.
I wish I could explain to you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you would not understand.
One thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over,
I'm closer to you now than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb,
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and in pain,
Then you can say to God at night.. "My day was not in vain".
So now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile,
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So if you meet someone who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps, only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go. from that body to be free,
Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.

​

​

If I knew it would be the last time
That I'd see you fall asleep,
I would tuck you in more tightly
and pray the Lord, your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be ! the last time
that I see you walk out the door,
I would ! give you a hug and kiss
and call you back for one more.

If I knew it would be the last time
I'd hear your voice lifted up in praise,
I would video tape each action and word,
so I could play them back day after day.

If I knew it would be the last time,
I could spare an extra minute
to stop and say "I love you,"
instead of assuming you would KNOW I do.

If I knew it would be the last time
I would be there to share your day,
Well I'm sure you'll have so many more,
so I can let just this one slip away.

For surely there's always tomorrow
to make up for an oversight,
and we always get a second chance
to make everything just right.

There will always be another day
to say "I love you,"
And certainly there's another chance
to say our "Anything I can do?"

But just in case I might be wrong,
and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you
and I hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you're waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you'll surely regret the day,

That you didn't take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish.

So hold your loved ones close today,
and whisper in their ear,
Tell them how much you love them
and that you'll always hold them dear

Take time to say "! I'm sorry,"
"Please forgive me," "Thank you," or "It's okay! ."
And if tomorrow never comes,
you'll have no regrets about today.

Author: Dawn Marie Huddleston 

​

​

"The Special Garden"

There's a very special garden
Where the trees of memory grow
Nurtured by the kindness
And concern that good friends show.
The roots are cherished memories
Of good times in the past
The branches tender promises
That souls endure and last.
It's a place of peace and beauty
Where bright new hopes can start
It's memory's lovely garden
That soothes the hurting heart.

​

​

God looked around His garden and found an empty place.
He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face.
He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest.
God's garden must be beautiful. He only takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering. He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never get well on earth again.
He saw the road getting rough and the hills were hard to climb.
So He closed your weary eyelids and whispered, "Peace be thine."

It broke our hearts to lose you but you didn't go alone.
Part of us went with you the day God took you home.
If tears could build a stairway and heartaches make a lane,
We'd walk a path to heaven to be with you again.

​

​

When I am gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do
You must not tie yourself to me with tears
Be happy that I have had so many years

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness
I thankyou for the love each have shown
But now it is time I travelled on alone

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
It is only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories in your heart

I will not be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you cannot see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you will hear
All of my love around you soft and clear

Then, when you must come this way alone
I will greet you with a smile and a
"Welcome Home"

(-Mary Alice Ramish-)

​

​

Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end. 
There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours, days. 
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else. 
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance. 
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed. 
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear. 
So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans, and to-do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away. 
It won't matter where you came from, 
or on what side of the tracks you lived. 
At the end, whether you were beautiful or brilliant, male or female, 
even your skin colour won't matter. 
So what will matter? 
How will the value of your days be measured? 
  What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; 
not what you got, but what you gave. 
What will matter is not your success, but your significance. 
What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught. 
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others. 
What will matter is not your competence, but your character. 
What will matter is not how many people you knew, 
but how many will feel a lasting loss when you're gone. 
What will matter is not your memories, 
but the memories that live in those who loved you. 
  Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident. 
It's not a matter of circumstance but of choice. 
Choose to live a life that matters.

​

​

Oh, please don't feel guilty

It was just my time to go.

I see you are still feeling sad,

And the tears just seem to flow.

We all come to earth for our lifetime,

And for some it's not many years

I don't want you to keep crying

You are shedding so many tears.

I haven't really left you

 Even though it may seem so.

I have just gone to my heavenly home,

And I'm closer to you than you know.

Just believe that when you say my name,

I'm standing next to you,

I know you long to see me,

But there's nothing I can do.

But I'll still send you mesages and hope you understand

that when your times comes to cross over

I'll be there to take your hand

​

​

​

A limb has fallen from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says, cry not for me.

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.

The good life I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I'm counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind it at ease, my soul is at rest.

Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don't worry about falls.

I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.

Until the day comes were together again.

​

​

We are all ships returning home
laden with life's experience,
memories of work, good times and sorrows,
each with his special cargo;
And it is our common lot
to show the marks of the voyage,
here a shattered prow, there a patched rigging,
and every hulk turned black
by the unceasing batter of the restless wave. 
May we be thankful for fair weather and smooth seas,
and in times of storm have the courage
and patience that mark every good mariner;
And, overall, may we have the cheering hope of joyful meetings,
as our ship at last drops anchor
in the still water of the eternal harbour. 

(Max Erhman)

​

​

​

I said a prayer for you today
And know God must have heard.
           I felt the answer in my heart
           Although he spoke no word!

I didn't ask for wealth or fame
           (I knew you wouldn't mind).
           I asked him to send treasures
           Of a far more lasting kind!

I asked that he be near you
           At the start of each new day;
           To grant you health and blessings
           And friends to share your way!

I asked for happiness for you
           In all things great and small.
           But it was for his loving care
           I prayed the most of all!

​

​

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

By Wm. Henry Davies.

​

​

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me. And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter. I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells And run my stick along the public railings And make up for the sobriety of my youth. I shall go out in my slippers in the rain And pick the flowers in other people's gardens And learn to spit. You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat And eat three pounds of sausages at a go Or only bread and pickle for a week And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes. But now we must have clothes that keep us dry And pay our rent and not swear in the street And set a good example for the children. We must have friends to dinner and read the papers. But maybe I ought to practice a little now? So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

​

​

When I must leave you
for a little while
Please do not grieve
and shed wild tears
And hug your sorrow to you
through the years
But start out bravely
with a gallant smile;
And for my sake and
in my name live on
and do all things the same,
Feed not your loneliness
on empty days,
But fill each waking hour
in useful ways,
Reach out your hand
in comfort and in cheer
And I in turn will comfort you
and hold you near

(unknown)

​

​

​

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little--but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me--but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Master's plan,
A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss Me--But Let me Go!

​

​

​

"Farewell My Friend"

It was beautiful as long as it lasted
The journey of my life.
I have no regrets whatsoever
save the pain I'll leave behind.
Those dear hearts who love and care...
And the strings pulling at the heart and soul...
The strong arms that held me up
When my own strength let me down.
At every turning of my life I came across good friends,
Friends who stood by me,
Even when the time raced me by.
Farewell, farewell my friends
I smile and bid you goodbye.
No, shed no tears for I need them not
All I need is your smile.
If you feel sad do think of me
for that's what I'll like when you live in the hearts
of those you love, remember then
you never die.
(Rabindranath Tagore)

​

​

I must go down to the seas again, to the lonely sea and the sky,

And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by,

And the wheel's kick and the wind೯ng and the white

Sail's shaking.

And a grey mist on the sea's face and a grey dawn breaking.

 I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the

running tide

Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied;

And all I ask is a windy day with the white clouds flying,

And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the

            Seagulls crying.

 

I must go down to the sea again, to the vagrant gypsy life,

To the gull's way and the whale's  where the wind's like a

            Whetted knife;

And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover,

And a quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long tricks

            over.

(John Masefield)

​

 

 

"Crossing the Bar"

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crost the bar.

(Alfred, Lord Tennyson)

​

​

 

You can shed tears that he is gone,

Or you can smile because he has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back

Or you can open your eyes and see all he's left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him

Or you can be full of the love you have shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he's gone

Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back

Or you can do what he'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

(David Harkins)

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Our revels now are ended. These our actors, As I foretold you, were all spirits and Are melted into air, into thin air:

And, like the baseless fabric of this vision, The cloud-capp'd towers, the gorgeous palaces, The solemn temples, the great globe itself, Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve And, like this insubstantial pageant faded, Leave not a track behind. We are such stuff As dreams are made on, and our little life Is rounded with a sleep. (William Shakespeare From The Tempest, Act 4 Scene 1)

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If I should go before the rest of you,

Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone.

Nor when I am gone speak in a Sunday voice,

But be the usual selves that I have known.

Weep if you must,

Parting is hell,

But life goes on,

So sing as well

(Joyce Grenfell)

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"I'm Fine Thank You!

There is nothing the matter with me,

I'm as healthy as one can be,

I have arthritis in both my knees,

And when I talk, I talk with a wheeze,

My pulse is weak, and my blood is thin,

But awfully well for the shape I'm in.

 

Arch supports I have for my feet,

Or I wouldn't able to be on the street,

Sleep is denied me night after night,

But every morning I find I'm alright.

My memory is failing, my head in a spin,

But I'm awfully well for the shape I'm in.

 

The moral of this, as my tale I unfold is

That for you and me who are growing old,

It's  better to say "I'm fine with a grin

Than to let folks know the shape we are in.

 

How do I know that my youth is all spent?

Well, my get up and go got up and went.

But I really don't mind when I think with a grin

Of all the grand places my get up has bin.

 

I get up each morning and dust off my wits,

And pick up the paper and read the Obits,

If my name is missing I know I'm not dead,

So I have a good breakfast and go back to bed.

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