A Symbol of HopeA Symbol of HopeA butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeamAnd for a brief moment its gloryand beauty belong to our worldBut then it flies againAnd though we wish it could have stayed...We feel lucky to have seen it.Unknown

Am Always With YouWhen I am gone, release me, let me go.I have so many things to see and do,You mustn't tie yourself to me with too many tears, But be thankful we had so many good years. I gave you my love, and you can only guess

How much you've given me in happiness.I thank you for the love that you have shown,But now it is time I traveled on alone.So grieve for me a while, if grieve you mustThen let your grief be comforted by trustThat it is only for a while that we must part,So treasure the memories within your heart.I won't be far away for life goes on.And if you need me, call and I will come.Though you can't see or touch me, I will be near

And if you listen with your heart, you'll hearAll my love around you soft and clearAnd then, when you come this way alone,I'll greet you with a smile and a "Welcome Home".Unknown

I AM NOT THEREDo not stand by my grave and weepFor I am not there.I do not sleep.I am a thousand winds that blow.I am diamonds that glint on snow.I am the sunlight on ripened grain.I am the gentle autumn rain.When you awaken in the morning hushI am the swift uplifting rush of butterflies in joyous flight.I am the soft stars that shine at night.Do not stand at my grave and cry.I am not there.I did not die.Unknown

A Fallen LimbA limb has fallen from the family tree.I keep hearing a voice that says, "Grieve not for me.Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.The good life I lived while I was strong.Continue my heritage, I'm counting on you.Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.Continue traditions, no matter how small.Go on with your life, don't worry about fallsI miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.Until the day comes we're together again–Author unknown

1

2

3

4

All Is WellDeath 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, that we still are.Call me by my old familiar name,Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.Put no difference in your tone,Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.Play, smile, think of me and if you want to, pray for me.Let my name be ever the household word that it always was,Let it be spoken without effect,Without the trace of a shadow on it.Life means all that it ever meant.It is the same as it ever was;There is unbroken continuity.Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?I am waiting for you,For an interval,Somewhere very near,Just around the corner.All is well.–Henry Scott-Holland

Bridge To A FutureRoads that wind round canyon wallsLike corridors round learning hallsPoints of light there on the groundWill draw you with familiar soundsGather there the tools you needAdvice is there for you to heedSpread the word as given youAnd do the work you're supposed to doTravel where your heart does tellLet your knowledge serve you wellThings will flow as to their courseYou need not fear, or push, or forceAll things come as time dictatesThough time has come for what you waitThe door is open once againA bridge for futures now and then–Robert Langley

Death Is A DoorDeath is only an old doorSet in a garden wall;On gentle hinges it gives, at duskWhen the thrushes call.Along the linted are green leaves,Beyond the light lies still;Very willing and weary feetGo over that sill.There is nothing to trouble any heart;Nothing to hurt at all.Death is only a quiet doorIn an old wall.–Nancy Byrd Turner

5 6

7

Don'tDon't spend too muchtime in mourning.Tears are for the sad. I leftto be with Jesus, andthis should make you glad.Don't waste yourhours in grieving.No need to feel distress.I'm tired of life's frustrations,and had to get some rest.Don't vex yourself withquestions, or try to reason why.Life here for me was ended;it came my time to die.Don't lose the love I gave you;feed it with your care.Grow it with devotion andspread it everywhere.Don't fret because my leavingcame in such a way.We'll have another meeting,in God's Eternal Day!

Footprints In The SandOne night I dreamed I was walkingAlong the beach with the Lord,Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.Sometimes there were two sets of footprints.Other times there was only one.This bothered me because I noticedDuring the low periods of my life when I wasSuffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat,I could see only one set of footprints.So I said to the Lord, “You promised me,Lord, that if I followed you,You would walk with me always.But I noticed during the most trying periodsOf my life there has only beenOne set of prints in the sand.Why, when I needed you most,Have you not been there for me?The Lord replied,“The times when you have seen only one set of footprintsIt was then that I carried you.”

Garden WalkTake a walk through my gardenso I can be near.Say a few honest words,sing a gentle song,Join hands in a circle of flesh.Please tell some storiesabout me make you laugh.I love making you laugh.When I've had time to settleand green gathers into buds, rememberI love buds bursting into spring.As the season ripensRemember my persistent passion.And if you come into my gardenon an August afternoon,Smile, laugh, and think of me.

God Hath PromisedGod hath not promisedSkies always blue,Flower-strewn pathwaysAll our lives through.God hath not promisedSun without rain.Joy without sorrow,Peace without pain.

But God hath promisedstrength for the dayRest for the labor,Light for the way.Grace for the trials,Help from above,Unfailing sympathyUndying love…

8

9

10

11

God's GardenGod looked around his gardenAnd found an empty place,He then looked down upon the earthAnd saw your tired face.He put his arms around youAnd lifted you to rest.God’s garden must be beautifulHe always takes the best.He knew that you were sufferingHe knew you were in pain.He knew that you would neverGet well on earth again.He saw the road was getting roughAnd the hills were hard to climb.So he closed your weary eyelidsAnd whispered, ‘Peace bethine’.It broke our hearts to lose youBut you didn’t go alone,For part of us went with youThe day God called you home.–Anonymous

Goodbye, My FriendThough we never knowWhere life will take us,I know it's just a rideOn the wheel.And we never knowWhen death will shake usAnd we wonder howIt will feel.So Goodbye my friend.I know I'll never see you again.But the time togetherThrough all the years,Will take away these tears.It's OK now - Goodbye my friend.I see a lot of thingsThat make me crazy,And I guess I held on to you,You could have run awayAnd left - well maybe,But it wasn't timeAnd we both knew.So Goodbye My friend.I know I'll never see you again.But the love you gave meThrough all the yearsWill take away these tears.I'm OK now - Goodbye my friend.-Anonymous

Grieve Not For MeI cannot let you grieve for me,For those who love must let us go.In comfort, please believe I’m free,From all the pain life can bestow,As I begin my world anew,Consider not what used to be,I’m sending happy smiles to youWhile I enjoy eternity.Lord, bless the homeFrom which I came,Yet brush each lonely hour away,With fond remembrance of my name,And a sunshine for a newer day.Look to the wind to find me there,Beside the hardest thing you do.I’ve left my love within this prayerI’m always watching over you.–Author unknown

12

13

14

I Did Not DieDo not stand at my grave and weep;I am not there, I do not sleep.I am a thousand winds that blow.I am the diamond glints on snow.I am the sunlight on ripened grain.I am the gentle autumn rain.When you awaken in the morning's hushI am the swift uplifting rushOf quiet birds in circled flight.I am the soft stars that shine at night.Do not stand at my grave and cry;I am not there, I did not die.- Anonymous

I Have A Place In HeavenI have a place in heavenPlease don't sing sad songs for me,Forget your grief and fears,For I am in a perfect placeAway from pain and tears.It's far away from hungerAnd hurt and want and pride,I have a place in HeavenWith the Master at my side.My life on earth was very good,As earthly life can go,But Paradise is so much moreThan anyone can know.My heart is filled with happinessAnd sweet rejoicing, too.To walk with God is perfect peace,A joy forever new.–Author Unknown

I’m FreeDon’t grieve for me, for now I’m freeI’m following the path God has laid you see.I took His hand when I heard him callI turned my back and left it all.I could not stay another dayTo laugh, to love, to work, to play.Tasks left undone must stay that wayI found that peace at the close of day.If my parting has left a voidThen fill it with remembered joy.A friendship shared, a laugh, a kissOh yes, these things I too will miss.Be not burdened with times of sorrowI wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.My life’s been full, I savored muchGood friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.Perhaps my time seemed all too briefDon’t lengthen it now with undue grief.Lift up your hearts and peace to theeGod wanted me now; He set me free.

I've Changed My AddressI’ve changed my address to HeavenI’ve crossed the Great Divide.I know there’s no sorrow or crying,Because I’ve reached the other side.I am so happy to be here,for the Lord Himself I see.I’ve changed my address to Heaven,I bid this world goodbye.I now live forever with Jesus inmy new home in the sky.I have no burdens or heartachesAnd from tears I am now free.I’ve changed my address to Heaven,I’m safe forevermore.For the Lord built a mansionAnd my name is on the door.You can find us walking together,For where He is, I’ll always be.I’ve changed my address to Heaven,That’s the place you’ll find me.

Jane Smith12 Gates to the City AvenueNew Jerusalem, Heaven 77777

15

16

17

18

In Remembrance Of YouThe moment that you diedmy heart was torn in two,one side filled with heartache,the other died with you.I often lie awake at night,when the world is fast asleep, andtake a walk down memory lane,with tears upon my cheeks.Remembering you is easy,I do it everyday,but missing you is heartachethat never goes away.I hold you tightly within my heartand there you will remain.Until the joyous day arrives,That we will meet again–Author Unknown

Letting GoThe Angels gathered near your bed,so very close to you.For they knew the pain and sufferingthat you were going through.I thought about so many things,as I held tightly to your hand.Oh, how I wished that you werestrong and happy once again.But your eyes were looking homeward, to that place beyond the sky.Where Jesus held His outstretched arms, it was time to say goodbye.I struggled with my selfish thoughts,for I wanted you to stay.So we could walk and talk again,like we did - just yesterday.But Jesus knew the answer,and I knew He loved you so.So I gave to you life’s greatest gift,the gift of letting go.

Life Is But A Stopping PlaceLife is but a stopping place,A pause in what's to be,A resting place along the road,to sweet eternity.We all have different journeys,Different paths along the way,We all were meant to learn some things,but never meant to stay...Our destination is a place,Far greater than we know.For some the journey's quicker,For some the journey's slow.And when the journey finally ends,We'll claim a great reward,And find an everlasting peace,Together with the lord–Author unknown

Miss Me But Let Me GoWhen I come to the end of the road,and the sun has set for me,I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,why cry for a soul set free?Miss me a little-but no too long,and not with your had bowed low,remember the love that we once shared.Miss me but let me go.For this is a journey we all must take,and each must go alone.Itʼs all a part of the Masterʼs plan,a step on the road to home.When you are lonely and sick of heart,go to the friends we know.Bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.Miss me but let me go.

19

20

21

22

Safely HomeI am home in Heaven, dear ones:Oh, so happy and so bright!There is perfect joy and beautyIn this Everlasting Light.All the pain and grief are over!Every restless yearning past;I am now at peace forever,Safely Home in Heaven at last.Dear one, do not grieve so sorely,For I love you dearly still;Try to look beyond earth’s shadows,Pray to trust Our Father’s Will.When your work is completed,He will gently call you Home;Oh! the rapture of that meeting!Oh, the joy to see you come!

The Broken ChainI little knew that morning.God was going to call your name,When you lived you were so loved,When you died, we all still felt the same.It broke my heart to loose you,you did not go alone,for part of me went with you,the day God called you home.You left me beautiful memoriesyour love is still my guide,and though we cannot see you,you're always at my side.Emotions now are heart brokenand things won't be the same,We all must leave this worldand we will see each other again.–Anonymous

The Four CandlesThe first candle represents our grief.The pain of losing you is intense.It reminds us of the depth of our love for you.This second candle represents our courage.To confront our sorrow,To comfort each other,To change our lives.This third candle we light in your memory.For the times we laughed,The times we cried,The times we were angry with each other,The silly things you did,The caring and joy you gave us.This fourth candle we light for our love.We light this candle that your light will always shine.As we enter this holiday season and share this night of remembrancewith our family and friends.We cherish the special place in our heartsthat will always be reserved for you.We thank you for the giftyour living brought to each of us.We love you.We remember you.–Author Unknown

23

24

25

To Everything There Is A SeasonTo everything there is a season,And a time to every purposeunder the heaven.A time to plant and a time to harvest…As God sows and reapseach tiny seed in the soil,He cares for us from first lightAnd far beyond our earthly toil.

To Those I've Loved And Those Who Love MeWhen I am gone, release me, let go.I have so many things to see and do. You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears, behappy that we had so many years. I gaveyou my love, you can only guess howmuch you gave to me in happiness.I thank you for the love you eachhave shown, but now it's timeI traveled on alone. So grieve a whilefor me if you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's only for a whilethat we must part, so keep the memorieswithin your heart. I won't be far away,or life goes on. So if you need me, call,and I will come. Though you can't seeor touch me, I'll be near. And if youlisten with your heart, you'll hear all ofmy love around you soft and clear. And then, when you mustcome this way, I'll greet you with a smile,–Author Unknown

We Thought Of You TodayWe thought of you with love today.But that is nothing new.We thought about you yesterday.And days before that too.We think of you in silence.We often speak your name.Now all we have is memories.And your picture in a frame.Your memory is our keepsake.With which we'll never part.God has you in his keeping.We have you in our heart..–Author unknown

Welcome HomeWhen I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do, You mustn’t tie yourself to me with too many tears, But be thankful we had so many good years. I gave you my love, and you can only guess how much you’ve given me happiness. I thank you for the love that you have shown, but now it is time I traveled on alone. So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust. It is only for a while that we must part, so treasure the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away for life goes on. And if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me, I will be near. And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear, All my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile and a “Welcome Home’

26

27

28

29

When I Am GoneWhen I am gone, release melet me go I have so many things to see and do.You must not tie yourself to me with tearsBe 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 trustIt is only for a while that we must partso 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 nearAnd if you listen with your heart, you will hearAll 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"–Anonymous

When I Must Leave YouWhen I must leave you for a little while,please do not grieve and shed wild tears,and hug your sorrow to you through the years.But start out bravely with a gallant smile;And for my sake and in my name live onand do all things the same.Feed not your loneliness on empty days,but fill each waking hour in useful ways.Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer,and I in turn will comfort you and hold you near.For I am waiting for you in the sky!

The Final FlightDon't grieve for me, for now I'm free,I'm following the path God laid for me.I took his hand when I heard his call,I turned my back and left it all.I could not stay another day,To laugh, to love, to work, to play.Tasks left undone must stay that way,I've found that peace at the end of the day.If my parting has left a void,Then fill it with remembered joy.A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,Ah, yes, these things too I will miss.Be not burdened with times of sorrow,I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.My Life's been full, I savored much,Good friends, good times, a loved one' touch.Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.Lift up your heart and share with me,God wanted me now, He set me free.Author: Unknown

Poem of LifeLife is but a stopping place,A pause in what's to be,A resting place along the road,to sweet eternity.We all have different journeys,Different paths along the way,We all were meant to learn some things,but never meant to stay...Our destination is a place,Far greater than we know.For some the journey's quicker,For some the journey's slow.And when the journey finally ends,We'll claim a great reward,And find an everlasting peace,Together with the Lord.

30

31

32

33

I'll lend you this little child

I'll lend you for a little while a child of mine God saidFor you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he's deadIt may be six or seven years or forty two or threeBut will you 'til I call him back take care of him for MeHe'll bring his ways to gladden you and should his stay be briefYou'll always have his memories as a solace for your griefI cannot promise he will stay as all from earth returnBut there are lessons taught below that I want you all to learnI've looked this whole world over in My search for students trueAnd from the folks that crown life's lane I have chosen youNow will you give him all your love nor think labour vainNor hate Me when I come to take this lent child back again?I fancied that I heard them say Dear Lord Thy Will be doneFor all the joys Thy child will bring the risk of grief we'll runWe'll shelter him with tenderness we'll love him while we mayAnd just for having loved him forever grateful stay.- Anonymous

Life is but a Stopping PlaceLife is but a stopping place,A pause in what's to be,A resting place along the road,to sweet eternity.We all have different journeys,Different paths along the way,We all were meant to learn some things,but never meant to stay...Our destination is a place,Far greater than we know.For some the journey's quicker,For some the journey's slow.And when the journey finally ends,We'll claim a great reward,And find an everlasting peace,Together with the lordAuthor unknown

God’s Garden

God looked around his gardenAnd found an empty place,He then looked down upon the earthAnd saw your tired face.He put his arms around youAnd lifted you to rest.God’s garden must be beautifulHe always takes the best.He knew that you were sufferingHe knew you were in pain.He knew that you would neverGet well on earth again.He saw the road was getting roughAnd the hills were hard to climb.So he closed your weary eyelidsAnd whispered, ‘Peace bethine’.It broke our hearts to lose youBut you didn’t go alone,For part of us went with youThe day God called you home

34

3536

Dad...We'll always rememberthat special smile,that caring heart,that warm embrace,you always gave us.You being therefor Mom and usthrough good and bad times,no matter what.We'll always rememberyou Dad becausethey'll never be another oneto replace you in our hearts,and the love we will alwayshave for you.

FreeGod saw you getting tired,When a cure was not to be.So He wrapped his arms around you,and whispered, "come to me."You didn't deserve what you went through,So He gave you rest.God's garden must be beautiful,He only takes the bestAnd when I saw you sleeping,So peaceful and free from painI could not wish you backTo suffer that again.- Author Unknown

The Magic of a Mother's TouchThere's magic in a Mother's touch,and sunshine in her smile.There's love in everything she doesto make our lives worthwhile.We can find both hope and courageJust by looking in her eyes.Her laughter is a source of joy,her works are warm and wise.There is a kindness and compassionto be found in her embrace,and we see the light of heavenshining from a Mother's face.

What is a Mom?A mom is one of life's best gifts,Someone to treasure all life through,She's caring and loving,Thoughtful and true,Someone who is always a special part of your life,Someone who holds a prime place in your heart,She's a mentor, a confident and also a friend,Someone on whose love you can depend.A mom always has your best interests at heart,She's someone so dear and so good,She's a blessing, she's a gift,She's a treasure like no other,She's someone that is truly wonderful.Wherever you go, and whatever you do,A mom’s love will always see you through,A mom is truly invaluable,Indispensable and unforgettable.I wouldn't want anyone but you,And that's why I'm so grateful,that life picked you for me.

EnrichedYour smiles can brighten any moment,Your hugs put joy in all my days,Your love will stay with me foreverAnd touch my life in precious ways...

The values you've taught,the care you've given,and the wonderful love you've shown,have enriched my lifein more ways than I can count.

37

38

39

40

41

Her Journey's Just BegunHer Journey's Just BegunDon't think of her as gone away,her journey's just begun,Life holds so many facets,this earth is only one,Just think of her as resting,from the sorrows and the tears,In a place of warmth and comfort,where there are no days or years,Think how she must be wishing,that we could know today,How nothing but our sadness,can really pass away,And think of her as living,in the hearts of those she touched,For nothing loved is ever lost,and she was loved so much.

A Child Loaned"I'll lend you for a little timeA child of Mine." He said."For you to love the while he livesAnd mourn for when he's dead.It may be six or seven yearOr twenty-two or threeBut will you, till I call him backTake care of him for Me?He'll bring his charms to gladden youAnd should his stay be brief,You'll have his lovely memoriesAs solace for your grief.I cannot promise he will staySince all from Earth return,But there are lessons taught down thereI want the child to learn.I've looked this wide world overIn my search for teacher's true,And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes,I have selected you;Now will you give him all your love,Nor think the labour vainNor hate Me when I come to callAnd take him back again?I fancied that I heard them say,"Dear Lord, They will be done,For all the joy Thy child shall bring,For the risk of grief we'll run.We'll shelter him with tenderness,We'll love him while we may,And for the happiness we've known,Forever grateful stay.But should the angels call for himMuch sooner than we planned,We'll brave the bitter grief that comesAnd try to understand."

My Little AngelYou’ve just walked on ahead of meAnd I’ve got to understandYou must release the ones you loveAnd let go of their hand.I try and cope the best I canBut I’m missing you so muchIf I could only see youAnd once more feel your touch.Yes, you’ve just walked on ahead of meDon’t worry I’ll be fineBut now and then I swear I feelYour hand slip into mine.

God Welcomed Him To His Loving HomeGod saw him getting tired, a cure was not to be. He wrapped him in his loving armsand whispered ‘Come with me.’He suffered much in silence, his spirit did not bend. He faced his pain with courage, until the very end. He tried so hard to stay with us but his fight was not in vain, God welcomed him to His loving home and freed him from the pain.

42

43

44

45

Heaven’s Special ChildA meeting was held quite far from earth."It’s time again for another birth,"Said the Angels to the Lord above,"This special child will need much love.His progress may seem very slow,And he’ll require extra careFrom the folks he meets way down there.He may not run or laugh or playHis thoughts may seem quite far away,In many ways he won’t adapt,And he’ll be known as handicapped.So let’s be careful where he’s sentWe want his life to be content.Please, Lord, find the parents whoWill do a special job for you.They will not realize right awayThe leading role they’re asked to play,But with this child sent from aboveComes stronger faith and richer love.And soon they’ll know the privilege givenIn caring for this gift from Heaven,Their precious charge, so meek and mildIs Heaven’s very special child!"

Precious SonGod, I know you gave your precious SonTo give us life with You.But we didn’t want our son to leave,Cause he was precious too.We all are special in your eyesAnd all to you return.We know our son will not come back,And for this our hearts still yearn.Our time on earth is for learning,And when our lessons are through,Our Lord will choose the time we leave,And we come back to you.Our precious son is with you,And there will be a day,That we too will leave this earth,And you will light our way.His arms will be wide open,And the wait will be worthwhile,When we see again our precious son,And the splendor of his smile.

A Light For HerPain and suffering is to its end in this child's lifeWe shall not weep for this child,For she is now in a place of beautyWhere there is no war, no hate, and no deathEternal life is to be brought forth throughGod by a soft glowing flame:Strong enough to hold all his childrenContaining a prayer that whichAll prayers are made,A life, that which all lives are created.You can't see this flame,Yet you always know it is there.You can't touch this flame,Yet you can always feel its presenceThis child has now seen God,And God has a need for her.So, you see, this child did not die, she is reborn.by Unknown

Golden MemoriesThey say memories are golden, well, maybe that is true. I never wanted memories, I onlywanted you. A million times I cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never wouldhave died. In life I loved you dearly, in death I love you still. In my heart you hold aplace no one else could fill. If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane. I'dwalk the path to Heaven and bring you back again. Our family chain is broken, andnothing seems the same. But as Godcalls us back one by one, the chain will link again.

46

47

48

49