Some Thoughts at Life's End

SOME WRITINGS ON BEREAVEMENT

"To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose
under the heaven"

Ecclesiastes 3

I Am Not Dead

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am diamond glints of snow;
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush;
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds encircled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.

Source unknown

Death Is Nothing At All

Death is nothing at all;
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name,
wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow;
life means all that it ever meant.
Why should I be out of mind only because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you for an interval, somewhere very near,
just around the corner.
All is well.

Source unknown

To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, let me go;
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Just be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I traveled alone.

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

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

And then, when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile, and a "Welcome Home."

Source unknown

A Scot's Farewell

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

Miss me a little but not for 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 we all must take,
And each must go alone,
It's all a part of the master plan,
A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart,
Go to the friend we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds,
Miss me ... but let me go.

Source unknown