Tuesday 16 March 2010

Saying goodbye.

Today we said goodbye.

The service was lovely (aren't they always? Have you ever heard someone come back from a funeral and say, "God that service was rubbish"?) and the boyfriend read a eulogy which officially makes him the bravest person I know.

And then one of his sisters read this lovely poem that I had never heard before.

Apparently I'm one of few because it was read at the Queen Mother's funeral.

Now I'm not really a poem person but I thought this was lovely. And I thought I would share it with you.

You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left,
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared,
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday,
You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on,
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on
David Harkins (1959 - )

12 comments:

Kelly said...

A lovely poem! Love to you all xxx

Taz said...

What a beautiful poem, I have a friend that has just lost her Grandma so I will pass it on to her if you don't mind.

I read a poem at my Dad's funeral and it nearly killed me, but I just felt I had to do something for my Dad.
((((hugs)))) to you and yours.

Unknown said...

It is a lovely poem - thanks for sharing it.
Hats off to your boyfriend and his sister for being strong enough to make such personal contributions at their grans funeral.
I too have a friend who has just lost her granddad - I hope you won't mind if I tell her about this poem - she might find some comfort in it.

topchelseagirl said...

Well done to your boyfriend. My cousin read that poem at my Nan's funeral in January. It is a lovely one.

Trish said...

Oh gosh,,,,,that is just beautiful! I am off to a funeral today myself and this is perfect for me to read. Take care...and my condolences once again.

The Curious Cat said...

We had this at Clare's funeral...it is a very comforting piece...the words mean a lot xxx PS Give your boyfriend a hug from me for being brave!

Anonymous said...

Most definitely lovely!

(((hugs)))

Diane said...

He was very brave. I could never do it. xxx

je_suis_hannah said...

We have that poem requested a lot at funerals. It's beautiful and sums up what the family/friends would like to say but are sometimes unable to
x

Simone said...

That's a lovely poem. I went to my Nan's funeral last week. I think anyone who can stand up and talk at a funeral is very brave indeed. I wouldn't be able to do it. x

Petit Filoux said...

wow that is a beautiful poem – I’d never heard it before either x

TKW said...

My grandmothers died when I was fairly young; I am so sorry for your/boyfriend's loss. Sounds like you are weathering it best you can.

The poem is beautiful.