FATHER, your death really is a celebration of your life: the legacy of kindness and generosity that you left behind. When we lay you to rest, after all the people and the flowers are gone, how do we move on?
"In the days to come, we will feel your loss in its full measure. I dread that. There will be many lonely days without you ahead, but in some strange way I welcome it. Because if pain is the only way I can feel you now that you're gone,then I'd rather have that than nothing of you at all.
"Please know that your memories will live on, in the many people whose lives you have touched. Please know also that, despite all that I do not quite accept or understand at the moment, one day I believe God will fill with something beautiful that space that, for now, just hurts so much. And when that happens maybe then I will also be able to forgive you for not saying goodbye..
"In the days to come, we will feel your loss in its full measure. I dread that. There will be many lonely days without you ahead, but in some strange way I welcome it. Because if pain is the only way I can feel you now that you're gone,then I'd rather have that than nothing of you at all.
"Please know that your memories will live on, in the many people whose lives you have touched. Please know also that, despite all that I do not quite accept or understand at the moment, one day I believe God will fill with something beautiful that space that, for now, just hurts so much. And when that happens maybe then I will also be able to forgive you for not saying goodbye..