The Long and Winding Road

Dave and I are spiritual and wanted Aviana's service to be the same. After looking at many places, we decided on our friend Jen's church. It was perfect in every way. Everyone was warm and welcoming, and everything - beautiful. The pastor was one of the kindest people we'd ever met. He was also respectful of our spiritual wishes.

After looking through what seemed like every reading the Internet had to offer, we chose these. They most closely reflect how we feel.

Read by Dave's sister, Dinah.

Do Not Weep For Me

Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell

among the wonders of the earth; 

for my larger self is free, 

and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain -

on the other side of darkness.

Do not weep for me, 

for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, 

a tropical breeze upon your face, 

the hush of joy within your heart.

I am the hope in a darkened night. 

And in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you.

I will share your tears, your joys, your fears,

your disappointments and your triumphs.

Do not weep for me, for I am with you;

I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers.

I am the calm that follows a raging storm.

I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God,

and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.

Do not weep for me, for I shall never die,

as long as you remember me…

with a smile and a sigh.

***

Read by my friend, Summer

She is Gone

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

***


Read by my friend, Jen

Weep Not For Me

Weep not for me though I am gone;

into that gentle night.

Grieve if you will but not for long,

upon my soul's sweet flight.

I am at peace,

my soul's at rest.

There is no need for tears.

For with your love I was blessed;

for all those many years.

There is no pain,

I suffer not,

The fear now all is gone.

Put now these things out of your thoughts.

In your memory I live on.

Remember not my fight for breath;

remember not strife.

Please do not dwell upon my death,

but celebrate my life.

~ Constance Jenkins