Memorial
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 we had so many years. I gave you love,
you can only guess, how much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love each have shown,
but now it is time I travelled alone.
So grieve awhile 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 those memories within 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 “Welcome Home”
Anon
The Sailing Ship
by Luther F. Beecher (1813–1903)
What is dying?
I am standing on the seashore.
A ship sails to the morning breeze
and starts for the ocean.
She is an object
and I stand watching her
Till at last she fades from the horizon,
And someone at my side says,
“She is gone!” Gone where?
Gone from my sight, that is all;
She is just as large in the masts,
hull and spars
as she was when I saw her,
And just as able to bear her load
of living freight to its destination.
The diminished size and total loss
of sight is in me, not in her;
And just at the moment when someone
at my side says, “She is gone”,
There are others who are watching her coming,
And other voices take up a glad shout,
“There she comes” – and that is dying.
Smile for the Ages
by Todd Nigro (Ellie’s Dad)
Ellie, each day with you was special,
it’s hard to express,
I loved your voice, smile, laugh,
and your sweet tenderness.
Your joyful, playful spirit
was such a contagious one,
A minute in your presence
was bursting with fun.
I always enjoyed our adventures
playing on the beach,
It’s heart breaking to realize
you’re not within my reach.
You were so amazing
and beautiful in so many ways,
Sincere, giving, and loving
through all of your days.
I wish I could hug you right now,
why did you have to go?
These days are hard without you,
but this you should know,
When the day comes to join you
in that heavenly place,
A beautiful smile for the ages
will be on my face!
Safely Home
by Author Unknown
I am home in heaven, dear ones;
Oh, so happy and so bright.
There is a perfect joy and beauty
in this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over,
every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
safely home in heaven at last.
Did you wonder I so calmly
Trod the valley of the shade?
Oh, but Jesus’ love illuminated
Every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me
in the way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus’ arm to lean on
could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely,
for I love you dearly still.
Try to look beyond death’s shadows;
Pray to trust our Father’s will.
There is work still waiting for you,
so you must not idly stand.
Do it now, while life remaineth;
you shall rest in Jesus’ land.
When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting;
Oh, the joy to see you come!
