From our mother's service on 2/14/11:

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 can 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

Let memories surround you.

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 safe within your heart.

THE BROKEN CHAIN...

We little knew the day that God was going to call your name,

In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but in God we put our trust.

In times as difficult as this, faith is such a must.

You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide,

And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,and nothing seems the same,

But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

--Ron Tranmer

Grief

There is a grief that ages the face
And hardens the heart
Yet softens the spirit…

A grief that casts shadows on the eyes
Yet broadens the mind…

A grief that keeps the pain and has no words
But increases the understanding…

There is a grief that breaks the heart and wounds the soul,
That lasts and lasts and can shatter in a minute,
But will inspire for a lifetime.