I felt compelled to share this with everyone here. A few years ago, a dear friend of mine passed away. He was what I called, my second dad. When he passed away, I went to buy a simpathy card for his wife, who is like a second mom to me. Anyway, when I read this poem on the card, I felt like he was speaking directly to me. We have had discussions like this before, and I knew that this is what he would have wanted. I had to write it down. In reading some of the posts, I really wanted to share this poem. It is called "I have a Place in Heaven"

Please don't sing sad songs for me,
Forget your grief and fears,
For I am in a perfect place, away from pain and tears...

I'm far away from hunger and hurt and want and pride.
I have a place in Heaven,
with the Master at my side.

My life on Earth was very good,
As Earthly lives can go,
But Paradise is so much more than anyone can know...

My heart is filled with happiness
and sweet rejoicing too.
To walk with God is perfect Peace,
A joy forever new.

by M. Kessler

Cathi, doesn't sound so bad, huh?

My cousin sang the most beautiful song at Mom's funeral. The title is, Dancing the Streets of Heaven. It was perfect. Everyone felt uplifted instead of the typical doom and gloom felt at funerals!

I know what you mean. Everytime I read this poem, it really takes the fear of death away from me. And it really helps in the grieving process as well.

Cheers and Blessings,
Cathi

I'm reading 40 days of purpose (as you know) and I'm up to the part about types of worship.

It struck me last night - is my father doing to worship God in heaven?

He was a quiet man, and 40 yrs old when I was born, so I never saw him do it, but apparently in his youth he was a good gymnast...I bet he is swinging around heaven in an acrobatic troupe, giving a lot of enjoyment as he flips around on the bars...

Jul, sweet thoughts.

I picture Mom hanging out with her sisters, brothers, Mom , and dear friends who all went home before her. I have a feeling she's doing a lot of talking. She's not swinging from any bars. At least I don't think so.

How long ago did your dad die?

I keep the following on my refrigerator -- i read it whenever i wonder what could possibly been on Roberts mind that night

I'm Free

dont grieve for me, for now i'm free
i'm following the path God laid for me
i took His hand when i heard Him call
i turned my back and left it all

i could not stay another day
to laugh, to love, to work or play
tasks left undone must stay that way
i found that place at the close of the day

if my passing has left a void
then fill it with remembered joy
a friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
ah yes, these things, i too, 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's touch

perhaps my time seemed all too brief
dont lengthen it now with undue grief
lift up your heart and share with me
God wanted me now
He set me free

That is truly beautiful and helped me in my grief. Thank you for sharing it.

lion, that's beautiful. What a great reminder that all's well with Robert. You and your family are the ones who need prayers to carry on without him. You're often in mine!

Well Lionspaaw I have tears streaming down my face from this one. I have been looking for something to leave behind for my son after I've passed on. We are extremely close and he breaks down if I speak of dying so I know it will be bad for him. This is PERFECT. I have copied it and will place a copy in the envelope for him with my will. I truly believe his belief in God will carry him through after reading this. I thank you...

On a brighter note I plan to live to be a narly, nasty, chocolate in hand, party going, wild old lady for as long as possible..yahooo!!!

I'm with you Chatty

and I'm glad it helped Dianne -- that was my hope

and THANK YOU Dotsie -- I have often "felt" your prayers

Rob would have been 27 yesterday -- I read that a few times during the day