A CLUSTER OF PRECIOUS MEMORIES A bud the Gardener gave us, A cluster of precious memories A pure and lovely child. Sprayed with a million tears He gave it to our keeping Wishing God had spared you If only for a few more years. To cherish undefiled; You left a special memory And just as it was opening And a sorrow too great to hold, To the glory of the day, To us who loved and lost you Down came the Heavenly Father Your memory will never grow old. Thanks for the years we had, And took our bud away. Thanks for the memories we shared. We only prayed that when you left us That you knew how much we cared. 1 2 AFTERGLOW A Heart of Gold I’d like the memory of me A heart of gold stopped beating to be a happy one. I’d like to leave an afterglow Working hands at rest of smiles when life is done. God broke our hearts to prove to us I’d like to leave an echo He only takes the best whispering softly down the ways, Leaves and flowers may wither Of happy times and laughing times The golden sun may set and bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve But the hearts that loved you dearly to dry before too long, Are the ones that won’t forget. And cherish those very special memories to which I belong. 4 3 ALL IS WELL A LIFE – WELL LIVED Death is nothing at all, I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, A life – well lived, is a precious gift That we still are. of hope and strength and grace Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way from someone who has made our Which you always used; world a brighter, better place. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. It’s filled with moments sweet and sad, Laugh as we always laughed At the little jokes we enjoyed together. with smiles and sometimes tears. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word With friendships formed That it always was, and good times shared, Let is be spoken without effect, Without the trace of a shadow on it. and laughter through the years. Life means all that it is ever meant, It is the same as it ever was. A life – well lived, is a legacy of There is absolutely unbroken continuity. joy, pride and pleasure, Why should I be out of mind Because I am out of sight? a loving, lasting memory I am but waiting for you, our hearts will always treasure. For an interval; Somewhere very near, Just around the corner, All is well. 5 By Canon Henry Scott Holland 6 AN ANGEL IN YOUR POCKET I am a tiny angel… I’m smaller than your thumb; I live in people’s pockets, That’s where I have my fun. I don’t suppose you’ve seen me, An Irish Blessing I’m too tiny to detect; Though I’m with you all the time, May the road rise up to meet you, I doubt we’ve ever met. Before I was an Angel… May the wind be always at your back, I was a fairy in a flower; May the sun shine warm upon your face, God, Himself, hand-picked me, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And gave me angel power. Now God has many Angels And until we meet again, may you That He trains in Angel pools; Be gently held in the palm of God’s hand. We become His eyes, and ears, and hands… We become His special tools. And because God is so busy, With way too much to do; He said that my assignment Is to keep close watch on you. When he tucked me in your pocket, He blessed you with Angel care; Then told me never to leave you, And I vowed always to be there. 7 8 CANCER “Cancer is so limited… It cannot cripple love. It cannot shatter hope. Another sweet flower has withered, It cannot corrode faith. A gem from the casket set free. A lamb in the fold of the Shepherd It cannot destroy peace. Who said: “Let them come unto Me.” It cannot kill friendship. It cannot suppress memories. It cannot invade the soul. It cannot steal eternal life. It cannot conquer the spirit.” 9 10 Children hardly know or guess The love their fathers can’t express Children do not realize With thoughts he seldom said aloud, Until we’re fully grown, we never His heart is warm, his feeling proud. Really know or understand They do not fully understand How wonderful our Father is, His wisdom and his guiding hand, How kind he is, how wise… They do not know each helpful word We simply take for granted Holds love unspoken, hope unheard. From day to passing day, Yet as the busy years roll past, Each sacrifice he makes for us They come to understand at last In his own loving way. The worries and the fears he knew But then we grow and finally learn The problem times he pulled them through. The way that children do, They finally learn the full extent How much his love has really meant Of what a father’s love has meant How thoughtful he’s been too. And realize how great it’s been To have a father just like him. 11 12 14 Christmas In Heaven I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow. The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear, For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear, But the sound of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here. I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring, For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing. I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart But I am not so far away, we really aren’t apart. So be happy for me dear ones, you know I hold you dear, And be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. I send you each a special gift from my heaven above, I send you each a memory of my undying love. After all, “Love” is the gift, more precious than pure gold. It was always most important in the stories Jesus told. Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do, For I can’t count the Blessing of Love He has for you. So, have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear, Remember, I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. 13 DEAR MOM It seems like only yesterday you said to put Cry not when you think of me our things away. You were always there For now my soul flies high and free when we stood or fell. We’d try it on our own, and you’d wish us well. As you taught Take comfort in knowing there is no more pain us, the more we learned our love and respect was more than earned. You always knew Encircled in the Lords arms I live again when we needed you, what was false and what was true. You helped us out over and I’ll look down and love you all over again you were wonderful as a Wife, But for me there is a greater call Mother and Friend. So special you were in your own way. How we’ll always love you, Please don’t stand at my grave and weep how we’ll pray that where you are, you’ll Gaze to the stars and there I’ll be know how much we care and treasure all the memories that we can share. “Be strong and And someday together we will see go forward” you’d tell us to do being ever so grateful to have known you. We felt bad for Our love has lasted through eternity ourselves, but not for you. If it’s what He planned, it’s what He must do. All your cares are gone and you’ll feel no pain. The love we all shared, will forever remain. 15 16 Death: Understanding the Trip No goodbye was spoken, there was none needed There was an understood farewell But grasping the truth at first Was like reaching for the stars A task that drained emotion Not knowing what would come next - or would not The pain was overbearing, suffocating emotional bag Deep are the memories The end had come and hope had dissolved Like the sugar in a cup of burning tea I didn’t know what to feel Precious they stay Anguish or anger, sorrow or surprise Confusion began to smother me, like sand on a fire No passing of time But now the light of understanding is bright The stars are closer It is no more of a reach but right at my side I reach for reality and truth without strain Can take them away I comprehend With soul, mind and body I am at peace I see it was time Fate took hold But I will stay brave and forge ahead Death came for a visit and took a companion But I understand.