Death Is Nothing At All

• by Carolina Bradford
• 1 year ago

My husband passed away on March 31, 2023. Our daughter and I stood in the foyer of the funeral home, she noticed this poem on the wall. I knew immediately that I wanted it read at the funeral. How beautiful the words are. My husband and I were best friends, soulmates and the true love of my life. He convinced me that "happily ever after" truly exists. I miss him so much. But thanks to the wording of this poem, I hurt just a little bit less.

Over the last few months I cared for him here at home as he suffered through Amyloidosis. He'd decided to "allow Nature to take its course." When Nature did become active, somehow it looked different than how we'd imagined it. We had time to talk though, time to make plans. Through it all, I remained strong and practical. But now the pain is awful. But when it gets really difficult I read this poem and feel just a little bit better. Thank you for allowing me to share this with others.

• by Nelda Clelland
• 1 year ago

My 30-year-old son committed suicide on 3/14/2023. I was going through his phone and found a picture of this poem that he took in August 2021. I believe it is a message from him to all of the friends and family he left behind as to how he wants to be remembered and how he wants us to live our lives going forward. Son, I will see you on the other side. Love you forever.

• by Mira Cernak
• 1 year ago

I lost my father 5 months ago, I lost my mother a month ago, and I lost my dear friend 4 months ago. This beautiful poem was sent to me along with a sympathy card. I find comfort in it, holding onto it as a source of emotional and psychological support. It helps me endure the pain and gives me hope and a brighter perspective. When is too difficult to use my own words, when silence is my best expression, this poem is like a balm on my soul and keeps me going on.

• by Lisa Davis Mann
• 2 years ago

Dearest friends, this poem has long been a favorite of mine. I have shared it with many who have grieved for a lost family member, lover, or friend. Now I find great comfort in these words, and I read them again and again through my tears. This poem gives me back the hope that she is indeed just fine and one day I'll be able to spend time everlasting with my beautiful mama. The words give me back the belief that she is fine and all is well. Thank you for your kind ear. Love to you all, and we shall meet one day and laugh together. God bless you all.

• by Frank Ford
• 2 years ago

Beautiful poem! I lost my son, Wayne, 8 years ago. I lost my 15-year-old grandson 4 years ago. I lost my father 3 1/2 years ago. Three of the most influential males are now gone from my life. It gives me a whole new perspective on life. The poem is correct and well said. I continue to move forward but never forget what those three mean to me.

I was told once by a friend that a person dies three times. The first is when the person dies. Second is when that person is buried or cremated. Third is when that person is forgotten. I will never forget Wayne, Lil Tony, or my father. They live inside of me every day. I carry them with me every day. I also grieve every day. It's what we do, us, the ones who have experienced loss. One day we will be reunited. and it will be glorious. My love I have has not faded or drifted away. It is always with me. God Bless all of you.

• by Suzanne Griffin-Otis
• 2 years ago

I was happily married for 43 years to a wonderful and sensitive man who passed almost 5 years ago. We were both musicians, well I still am, and wrote many songs and played music for many years together. We actually met at a piano course given at our local Community College. We also instilled the love of music in our children who are both musicians. We had a deep spiritual connection, which still is strong. Just because someone dies in the physical form does not mean that the love dies. Love is eternal.

• by Brian C Wood
• 2 years ago

My mom died on December 27, 2021. When going through her stuff we found this with her will that said to my children and friends please read this at my memorial. It was so perfect!

• by Elizabeth M Grasty
• 3 years ago

My husband died of cancer February 22, 2021, following months of chemotherapy and surgery in November 2020. This was in the midst of Covid-19. My sister-in-law combined this poem with a picture of Warren. I look at it multiple times a day and still cry. The words are so direct to me. I have deep faith and know that we will meet again - after an interval.

• by Dawn A Ford
• 3 years ago

In the last two weeks, I have had the passing of my aunt, my mother-in-law, and father-in-law. Though none were young, and some had been ill and fading for a while, it is still a difficult separation. The emotions are labile amongst the families, and the grief is palpable.

I have read this poem before and remembered that it struck such a chord. Death is but momentary, and the life we had before still is. Reminding us that "nothing is lost" and "how we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!"

• by JORDAN SUZANNE HOFMAN
• 3 years ago

My mother sent me this poem from this link on 11-15-19 about 4 months before we found out she was terminally ill. 51 days later she was gone. Looking through all the emails she sent me and found this one. I couldn't help but lose it . I miss her so much.

• by Juliana Dsouza
• 3 years ago

We lost a young, dynamic priest on May 12, 2021. I knew him for the last 2 years. He was kind, pious, gentle, talented, and hardworking. I encouraged and assured him that all would be well, right till death snatched him away. This poem comforted me. I hope it will comfort his family, community, and friends who are inconsolable. May God grant him eternal reward. India has lost more than 100 priests in just one month. May God comfort their families and communities.

• by Cindy Duarte
• 3 years ago

I recently lost my father and 4 weeks later my mom joined him- all as it should be for elderly parents married over 65 years! I am missing them terribly as I was their primary overseer and closest family member. A colleague shared this poem, and it has brought immense relief every time I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself. I am so thankful for my friend who shared it with me.

• by Bedashree Sharon
• 3 years ago

I lost my dog a few days ago. He was my first ever dog, the most beautiful and cheerful boy. He suffered a lot because of wrong medication and couldn't make it. I was in a different state and I couldn't make it to him and see him one last time. I wasn't in my best shape for the past few days. I haven't slept in 3 days, haven't had a proper meal since he left, haven't put on sheets or even showered. I just came across this poem and I broke down. The words are so beautiful.

• by Charles Bernabi
• 3 years ago

For a piece that was not meant to be a poem, I think it very much is, and a beautiful one on the theme of death it is too. I have lost many people over the years, including both my parents, so I know only too well the sadness of loss, and it is true when they say time is a great healer. But for my mother, especially, I still feel the pain of her loss after 4 years, and I guess I will for a long time to come.

• by Sheryle Davish
• 4 years ago

I first heard this poem at a service for 911. It stayed with me off and on for years. I lost my younger brother two years ago. I chose to read this poem at his funeral. I truly hope he is just in the next room.

• by Matthew Sedita
• 4 years ago

Today is the 4th anniversary of my grandmother's passing. In June of 2016, I lost 3 family members in 19 days, losing my dear uncle Jim on Father's Day morning, and my cousin Mark during the reading of my grandmother's last rites.

My family is also in the funeral business. I can say without question, these are the most poignant words I've ever read about death. I read them during my eulogy for my grandmother. Throughout the service at the cemetery, a fawn watched all of us from 30 feet away. I believe it was a sign from my dear grandmother. I returned a few weeks after the burial and saw the fawn again.

The pain of loss never goes away. It simply changes over time. I hope we all find peace in our hearts. These words helped me, and I've since shared them with others. I urge you to do the same.

• by Priya
• 4 years ago

I lost my fiance this March...it has only been a month. I don't know how to deal with things around and even this pandemic breakout. I couldn't even attend his rituals due to lockdown all over. Death is such a hard reality. I lost my granny in January and then my most loved one now.

• by Gemma V
• 5 years ago

I read this poem at my dear uncle's funeral. It seems to fit him perfectly. He wouldn't want sadness, just us to know he's in another room. What a beautiful and positive poem.

• by Victoria M Huddy
• 5 years ago

Within a 3-year period, a lot of death came my way. In August of 2016, I lost my 16-month grandchild to a senseless drowning. During that period, you turn to anything that helps keep them alive in your mind. Two years later came the death of my older sister, then the Pop-Pop of my grandchildren suddenly. The grief becomes overwhelming, but this poem helped to show me how to live after all these days, and today I know they are all just around the corner and we will meet again. While it may be an eternity for us on this earth, in my mind, I know it will be just the next day for them. So I celebrate their existence, and this poem showed me how.

• by BornToLive, Flagstaff AZ
• 5 years ago

I'm not normally an emotional person, but this poem made me cry more than I have in the past month. I've lost family, both young and old, and friend to the cold embrace of death. That last line, talking of how we will laugh about the hassle of leaving just to be together again touched my deeply because that was similar to the last words of my best friend who died in the hospital after a terrible car crash. He told me he would see me again and when I was through slapping him for leaving early, we would laugh at fate for trying to keep us apart. My hold on hope has become stronger after this poem, along with the belief that fate is real. Thank you for sharing this. I'm showing this to my friends and family.

• by Eleanor Borces
• 5 years ago

I just lost my beloved daughter. She was 33 years old, single. With all honesty, I still cannot accept she's gone. Whenever alone, the thought of her lingers, and I cry...cry every night! As early as 4yrs old, she was diagnosed: MARFAN SYNDROME. She grew up with all its manifestations. I quit my job to attend and devote my life to her. Doctors told me she's a record breaker at 33. Guess that was just their way of easing weight and easing the pain I am going through. This poem is guiding me to other directions in dealing with the loss of her. Hopefully things will be easier.

• by Louise Alderman
• 5 years ago

I lost my beloved Dad 5 weeks ago. It was very sudden and unexpected, but as I stood by his bedside, he slipped away very peacefully. I felt very strongly about making a reading at his funeral, and it was always going to be this poem. The more I read it, the more I realized these were his words. It was as if he was whispering them to me. I stood up in front of a full church and read this poem with such strength and pride, and I was able to do so because I know my Dad was standing there, right beside me. I re-visit this poem often now. It draws me near to my Dad. I love you Dad, until we meet again.

• by Sheila
• 5 years ago

I just received this email from a friend. I recently lost my husband. I am so appreciative to receive and to read this poem which I find comforting and reassuring. It helps me to feel my husband's presence, which will always be with me. It validates for me that soulmates can continue communicating and being there for each other. I feel less alone after reading this poem. I also appreciate reading the many comments of people who have lost their loved ones.

• by Judith Littlefield
• 5 years ago

The love of my life passed away 2 weeks ago. We were together for 42 years. I miss him terribly. I'm doing okay but have my moments. Sometimes I just can't stop crying. I spoke with my sister-in-law last night and of course cried again. Today she sent me this poem, and I just can't believe how good it made me feel. It's like my Joe was speaking to me, waiting for me "just around the corner." I have found great comfort from this poem and will pass it on to everyone I know that will experience such a loss.

• by Pamela Samuel Hagens
• 5 years ago

This seems to be a place of exhaling; we need those moments just to exhale. Have someone listen to our struggles, sorrow, situations and just be present with us. We are not always looking for an answer, a 'fix me', but gentle ears. Sometimes it is just assurance that we can make ir take the next step. Others have walked this road and are still standing, traveling, expecting, loving. Thank you for this safe place. May those who are in the deepest place of pain find tenderness for today's moments.

• by Pamela Samuel Hagens
• 5 years ago

This is the 2nd time this beautiful, tenderly vivid poem has been shared with me. The words are so POWERFUL, INCLUSIVE, ELOQUENT, INSIGHTFUL, GENTLE. The words unite hearts, create community - touches each reader in a personal place; perhaps for some - shared and familiar space. The words reach into the hard places, quiet roads, sad detours, reflective pauses - The words offer assurance, insight, present momentary questions; but absolutely I hear Hope. I think so many people share that need; we all need 'HOPE.'

• by Michelle Janssen
• 5 years ago

I read this poem at the funeral for my best friend who passed on January 19, 2019, from pancreatic cancer. Our friendship lasted 40 years, and I am lost without her. I had asked my daughter Kelsey what she thought of this poem, and her response was, "Mom, it's beautiful, you have to read it," and so I did. Little did I know that Kelsey would take her own life on February 13, 2019, and so I read this poem at her memorial. To say I feel like shattered glass doesn't even come close to how I feel. I will miss them both all the days of my life. To know that neither one will walk through my door again is heart breaking. I just don't know why they both had to go. A question that will never be answered in this life. Kelsey was an amazing women. She was 42 years old. Kelsey was not into drugs, she was very active in her church and worked with Bonton farms in Texas. I don't know how to walk this life without them.

• by Sudha
• 5 years ago

Eighteen months ago my husband of 25 years just died while doing his exercises. It was a blow and took a lot of family support to get back to a balance. Two weeks back my father who became my support also died suddenly in his sleep. Both of them, who were pillars in my life, left peacefully without suffering. I have only memories, poetry, photos and philosophical explanations on how to handle this life lesson. I pass day to day thinking one day soon I will meet them and can share what has happened when they left the room. Also sometimes I know they are watching me unseen by me but felt.

• by Lee
• 5 years ago

Hello Everyone,
Reading the comments here, I just felt that I "belonged." This year has been very hard - in March my father passed and in October my dear brother. I feel so lost now without my brother; we were very close. Tonight I heard this poem being read to a loved one in an English movie and Googled some of the words to find it. The words spoke to my heart as though my brother were saying them himself. Since I was a little girl I have believed in both reincarnation and God. I do know one day I would see my brother again. Still, the pain is great and this poem eased my heart and reminded me that life is never-ending and the best way to honor my brother's life is to be happy. To the lovely lady who thanked us for allowing her to "vent," this is simply our hearts and souls reaching out to others in this kind of pain, a human connection. I, too, thank you all for your stories and for being "out there" with your understanding hearts. Very sincerely, Lee

• by John
• 6 years ago

I've come across this poem several times. It really says a lot. When my fiancee died in 2003 I was devastated and it took me 2 years to really recover. The following book was a great help and may be helpful to others who have lost a dear loved one. It's by Linda Feinberg. It's called I'm Grieving As Fast As I Can. She goes through all the emotions we experience after the death of someone close to us.

• by Maddie
• 6 years ago

When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, I stumbled upon this passage and kept it. After he passed, I posted it because it was just so profound and spoke to how I was feeling. I had never shared this with my husband. A few weeks after his death, I was going through some of his papers and found this passage among them. He had printed it out and saved it almost a year before his diagnosis. I had no idea he even knew of this. I took great comfort (after my initial sadness) that this was his way of telling me that all was well. Amazing!

• by Daren Knight
• 6 years ago

My beautiful son died 2 days ago. For the past 48 hours I have been trying to stave off the feeling of guilt because I knew that I wasn't grieving in the way that I imagined I should or in the way that I can see everyone else grieving. I'm obviously not "happy" per se, but my overriding emotion is that I feel love, compassion, and "happiness" for my son being at perfect peace now - I seem to be incapable of feeling the darkness of sadness. After being sent this poem by a complete stranger, I have read it for the first time tonight, whilst alone. I feel nothing but gratitude because this poem has EXACTLY verbalized how I feel. I now know that I refuse to accept guilt for feeling like this, because what I feel is the truth. Thank you.

• by Thomas Jeacock
• 6 years ago

Sarah and l were dancing partners. l met her in 1982, and we became good friends while dancing at out favourite venue. Then l heard she had a serious car accident, and I couldn't find her for six weeks. When I did, I found out that she had died and been revived on the operating table. I moved in with her and became her caregiver for six years. I asked her to marry me when she could dance again. She agreed to marry me on December 24, 1988. She had many effects from the car accident and had 3 heart stints put in over the follower years, but she never complained. I lost my darling 3 weeks ago. She had an aneurysm while having lunch with her daughters. She died 3 days later. I was holding her hand in the hospital at 4:20am. I hope to read this poem to her at her final service. Sarah was my world.

• by Court Knight
• 6 years ago

This poem is one of the few things I've come across since my 14-year-old son unexpectedly died a month ago. It makes me wonder if all the darkness I feel might fade with time and allow for some light to come in.

• by Marye Jane Nicholson
• 6 years ago

This is the most wonderful piece of writing I know. It has brought comfort to so many people I have shared it with. I was sent it on the death of my husband five years ago.

• by Merea Bridges
• 6 years ago

Happened upon this poem by accident. Have had three deaths in 2 weeks to deal with in my life. This poem spoke to me in such a strong way. It is well with my soul! Coming up on Mother's Day is always hard for me since my mother passed away 22 years ago. A day does not go by that I don't think about her or my dad. This poem gave me some peace today. Thank you...

• by Lori Young
• 6 years ago

I just read this poem yesterday. It brought me to tears. My beautiful son passed away just a year ago, at the age of 26. He was diagnosed March of 2010, after telling me he was experiencing headaches every day. He was diagnosed with having a glioblastoma multiforme brain tumor. I remember as if it were yesterday being told my son had a non-curable brain tumor. The only thing we could do was try and slow this monster down. So my son graduated from college with honors. His passion was to be an English teacher, which he achieved for 2 years. We went for his routine MRI. This time we did not get our normal response. Now we had a game changer, which was being told my son now had a grade 4 GBM and it was brain cancer. I took my son to places he wanted to visit. We had a blast together. Our last trip was to San Francisco. That was in November of last year. My son was my everything, and I can't even try to describe the pain. This poem gives me hope.

• by Cathy Dougherty
• 6 years ago

I lost my husband of 27 years in October 2011. He died suddenly of a widow maker heart attack. He was 54. He was all I ever knew since we were together since junior high. I know he surrounds me; I get signs from him. I've experienced a lot of loss. Just before my husband, my father-in-law had a heart attack. Just after my husband, my father by marriage passed after a long suffering. Two months later, it was my mother by marriage. Next was my daughter-in-law's brother by an overdose, then my daughter-in-law's father. Next was my sweet oldest granddaughter. She was 16 and died in a car accident. All 4 girls in the vehicle were killed. Grieving is different for everyone, but to be in grief for so many loved ones lost so close together is just wickedly hard. If I didn't have faith, I couldn't do it. I still grieve for all of these loved ones, the reminders that come, a song on the radio, etc. But no one can take my memories. I know I will rejoice with all my loved ones again when it is my time. Thanks for letting me vent.

• by Atul Ranjan
• 6 years ago

This is just a phenomenal poem. He is absolutely right; death is an eternal truth. Nobody can run away from it. But one thing is in our hand. That is how we live our life. It will decide how people will take our name after our death.

• by Patricia Tuori
• 6 years ago

I just lost my cousin, Louise, about 3 weeks ago. We were very close friends, like sisters. I am having a very bad day today with it, and this poem came up when I looked up articles on grief. I wrote it down, just beautiful. I know it takes time. I'm sorry for all the other comments on their losses as well. It is hard. Love you, Weezie...

• by Pina Cirillo
• 6 years ago

Death is but a thought, created by humanity, NOT by God. We are created in God's Image. He is fully alive within and around us. Our breath is His breath, our hearts, His Heart. It is the will of the Holy Spirit to live as we were originally created. So be it done according to The Holy Will. Many blessings and lessening all thoughts of despair. Much love, light, and peace.

• by Kristi Berryman, Salt lake city
• 6 years ago

I lost my sweet husband in October of this year. My thoughtful neighbor just sent this while thinking of me. As hard and heartbreaking as this ordeal has been, I know for sure my husband is still with me. He has made himself known to me from the other side. I feel so blessed to know without a shadow of a doubt that he IS waiting for me. This life and the next do feel one and the same to me now. Even before reading this. I miss him every day, but I do rejoice in my memories. How can I not? My daughter's wedding was 4 days before his death. I feel he was privileged enough to remain long enough to dance with his little girl. He and I also got to spend his last day together. I am so very thankful we are never alone, even though some days it feels as though we are.

• by A.D. Crum
• 6 years ago

I feel like this year has been an experiment in grief for our family. We've lost two of my mom's brothers, my husband's grandmother, his aunt, and most recently my dad. We would bury someone, recover for a few weeks, bury someone, recover for a few weeks and so on and so on. It's been a hard 5 months. Here's to hoping the new year is better.

• by Bryce
• 7 years ago

My grandpa was taken from me this year. I will miss him, but I know death happens.

• by Frances More
• 7 years ago

I have been talking to a counseling after I suddenly lost my absolutely lovely, funny, clever, adventurous, kind and considerate 34 year old son to suicide because of depression last year on September 27th near his home on the farm he worked on in Kenya. I live in the U.K. And I felt so far away, but he was very lucky as the community there was absolutely amazing--so kind, helpful, considerate, competent and they organized everything. It was so sudden and unexpected that I was in shock, and I am lucky to have a wonderful family, partner, and best friends in the world who are helping me to deal with it. My counselor suggested I read the poem which is just lovely, and so tomorrow I am going to sit in the Monaco Cathedral and read the poem to myself and light a candle for him. I miss him deeply, but the poem brings me hope and peace at the same time.

• by Diana Fortinberry
• 7 years ago

My cousin sent me this poem after my beloved fifteen year old cat passed years ago. It brought so much comfort, reiterating what I believed to be true.
I do grieve deeply when loss comes, still, but I read this poem again and feel better. I send it out to friends when they experience deep loss. It always comforts them.

• by Kevin Da Poet, Durban,DBN
• 7 years ago

Wow, this poem gave me the new idea about death. I no longer fear death, but I'm actually waiting for that day to see the loved ones I lost.

• by Allison Mackley
• 7 years ago

I read this at my little brother's visitation. I felt this is what he would have told me to comfort me had it been someone else I had lost...They are just waiting for you sis, somewhere close by... I'll miss you for the rest of my life, Will. Until we are together again...

• by Lisa
• 7 years ago

I will read this poem at the memorial of my late brother who passed away recently. I know that this is how he would feel. I look forward to the time when we meet again. Heartbroken.

• by Ginny Riley
• 7 years ago

I read this poem at the funeral of my mother in 2008. The poem brought me enormous comfort and it still brings tears to my eyes when I read it. I believe the poet was dying of cancer as he wrote it and was so brave as he comforted his loved ones. There is a strong religious message, although he does not refer directly to God. I love the warmth, humor, and intimacy, yet it is as though he is speaking from the grave. The poem is optimistic, yet it captures the sense of surrealism one feels when one is bereaved. The poet faced his own mortality and people have continued to identify strongly with what he was able to express so bravely about love, which does not end with death.

• by Irene
• 7 years ago

My last born brother died through a road accident on 16th July 2016. He died before getting to the hospital. We didn't get to say our goodbyes. Not saying our goodbyes was the hardest for me...I don't know if he'd lived long enough for us to say goodbye would have made a difference. I felt overwhelming sadness, like I was drowning in grief. During his funeral my elder brother read this poem and it gave me so much comfort. "How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again." I wait for that day when I shall laugh with him again.

• by Sue Van Eyck
• 7 years ago

I read this poem at my sister's funeral 10 years ago. The pain of losing her was overwhelming, yet I was so grateful God had called her home. She was free and would suffer no more. I've read this poem many times since she passed; it's given me some comfort. My heart goes out to those of you who are grieving the loss of a loved one. It's one of the most difficult paths we walk in this life. Give your pain to God and lean on Him. He will never forsake you. May He hold you in the palm of his hand and grant you peace.

• by Chris Fisher
• 7 years ago

Mike and I met in 1978 and lived and loved each other and on the date 10/11/13 we were lawfully joined in marriage. The law of the land finally allowed it to be. We were happy in love and lived to the fullest. But then on 7/7/15 we got the word; the spot on the lung was cancer. Everything in life stopped for us except the time we spent trying to get ahead of the cancer. Leaving our home for temporary quarters near the treatment center for 7 weeks was not a move we wanted to make, but life offered no other choice for us. Daily radiation and 4 massive chemo treatments was the plan. As if it were not enough for my Mike to endure, he suffered a stroke on 6/27/16. A week in the hospital and 5 weeks of PT brought about little or no improvement. I moved him home and saw to his needs daily for five weeks. The best gift Michael gave to me was entrusting his care to me. My beloved Michael became of angel of God's on 9/3/16. This poem brings me hope for an eternal reunion when my day comes.

• by Sue
• 7 years ago

I just read this poem yesterday and was so moved that I made a copy to carry in my wallet. My husband Rick, the love of my life, passed away suddenly this past October. We had been married 27-1/2 years, but it feels as if that time together was just a blink of an eye. I draw comfort in the thoughts of this poem - that death is nothing; he is just around the corner, in another room, waiting for the time for us to be together again. Still, it makes me so sad that I cannot read this poem without weeping.

• by Susan Dollhopf
• 7 years ago

I had this poem read at the cemetery for my husband who passed away unexpectedly on Labor Day.

• by Charlene Manning
• 7 years ago

I enclose this "poem" with every sympathy card I send and advise that these are the most soothing words I have ever heard at such a sad time of loss. Recipients all agree!

• by Susan Foster
• 7 years ago

My dad died suddenly on the 11th of December. It's still not settled in. I keep rereading this poem to anchor my mind and heart.

• by Ruth Robinson
• 7 years ago

Our family suffered an unexpected great loss on 12/8/16. My great nephew Christopher Alexander was taken home. He was only 24 yrs old. He leaves behind a devastated mother, stepfather, brothers, grandmother, niece, nephew, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. He could light up a dark room with his smile. He was very loving and caring. He had a great sense of humor. He loved everyone, and everyone loved him. He will be missed dearly. It is not easy, but we are trying to cope with it. Our family is scattered all around the USA. I know he is watching over his family and friends. He would not want us to grieve for him. That is easier said than done. Hopefully this poem will help.

• by Sody Ezekiel-Hart
• 7 years ago

I've only recently lost my dad on Dec. 5, 2016. I lost my hero, my dad, and a dear friend. It's too difficult to put into words all my feelings. I feel so much sadness because I wasn't given the chance to say, "Thank you, Daddy," just one last time. I feel exceptionally blessed and proud to have had a dad who for the last 30 years suffered from Parkinson's disease. He never made me feel any less worthy than those whose fathers were well and able. From his sick bed, even when at times it was impossible to speak, he provided for his wife and seven kids. He never complained or grumbled despite his plight and always said please and thank you. I remember a time when, instead of my mum, I gave him a bath. He apologized for the inconvenience! What a great man.

Dad, as you go to join our creator, I take consolation that our creator has need of you more than I. You are loved by those you left behind and you will remain in my heart until we meet again. Your baby daughter, Sody.

• by David
• 8 years ago

A question has been asked, " What do you think makes this poem a classic?" What makes anything in life a classic, is that it's meaning or message stands the test of time. When we try to understand the death of the physical body with our minds, it shows in our physical bodies as sadness, depression, fatigue etc....When reading this poem we feel as if our loved ones are speaking to us and without a doubt they are smiling as we read it because this poem speaks to our eternal soul and wakes up the truth in all of us, we don't die! This realization that our loved ones are not dead comforts us and we just know the words in the poem are true. Understand we all have infinite wisdom and knowledge within us but before we incarnated into these bodies we agreed to let this knowledge lie dormant within the depths of our soul and we have to because if you knew everything while you were here this life would not be a challenge. Every time you read this poem for a brief moment you are living with your soul.

• by Karen Zimmer
• 8 years ago

My 105 years young mother left this poem for me to find, the day of her passing on February 16, 2016.
She knew I would need help in understanding it all. I read it every day and miss her still every minute.
Her bedroom was across the hallway, and I keep a night light on for her as I said I would, in the room around the corner.

• by Monica
• 8 years ago

I lost the man I thought I would marry one day, on 21 March 2016. Unbelief, grief, tremendous loneliness, regrets, things left unsaid, questions unanswered... Words of sympathy do not console, none who have not experienced such loss truly understand how I feel, I am alone in this grief.

I know him for only 2 years. Why had not I met him 20 years ago, I asked? Why? Oh how I wish to see him once more, to caress him again. Why did we have to run out time?

I miss him very much. I miss his deep, reassuring voice, his jokes, his stories about the countries he visited. So much that my heart experiences physical pain when I remember about him. Memories about him struck me anytime, anywhere. This restaurant we intended to go back to but never did. That quiet beach at the north of the island which we planned to visit together once. My tears would flow relentlessly...

This poem strikes the strings of my heart. Poignant, tender. I imagine him saying those words to me. I love you, Geoffrey.

• by Michael O'Connell
• 8 years ago

On 8/16/2015, the world lost a rare and wonderful individual when my nephew died at 26 years of age, after a 13 year long fight with Ewing's Sarcoma. For the last week of his life here on earth, family & friends gathered at Children's in Boston to express their love, to support each other & to say goodbye to Bryan Max. Early on during that brutal week I found this poem and read it repeatedly -often quoting portions to everyone from family to nurses to complete strangers. It helped me then and it helped many who were and, still are, trying to comprehend our loss. My sister asked me to read the poem at Bryan's funeral. Remembering to keep taking one breath at a time, I was able to do so. Bryan's path was shorter than he, and we, would have liked. But, it was his path, and he had to follow it. Now, it is up to us to ensure that he is always remembered, his passion for the arts is continuously supported and we all live up to our commitment to find a cure for cancer. Closer by the mile.

• by Veronica Gardner, New Jersey
• 8 years ago

The love of my life left this world on August 13, 2015 after almost 10 years of living with a grave disease. Romans 8:28 says
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
I have asked my Heavenly Father over and over again, how can losing my Scott work for my good? I have come to know that it is not for my good, but for the good of my beloved. In this I find some solace, but it has not healed my shattered heart. As Stephanie has said, 'the sadness of not being able to hold him or see him in the flesh is so strong' it overtakes me at times. I am blessed to have family and friends that are here each day to pray for me and I have Jesus to keep me from falling until I can again stand on my own. And then one day I will be united with him and others who have gone to be with the Lord in glory!

• by Stephanie Ferrara, New York, USA
• 9 years ago

My soul mate died suddenly on June 9, 2015, at 33 years old. We were together for 13 years...we lived together since practically the day we met, we were best friends and as I mentioned - we were soul mates.

Chris dying is the single worse thing that has ever happened to me and ever will. I love this poem, and a lot of my friends and family have sent it to me. I talk to Chris out loud every day and when I ask him to show himself, he comes to me in my dreams. He has showed me many signs that he is still right here with me, however, the sadness of not being able to hold him or see him in the flesh is so strong that sometimes I don't know if I believe that he is still here with me.

I read this poem over and over again...and until the day I can finally be with Chris again, I have to hold on to this poem and try to believe that he is with me... Stephanie