Don

In Rememberance of Jim

Don't Grieve For Me

Don't grieve for me for I am 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 peace at the close 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 I too will miss.

       But be not burdened with times of sorrow,
       For I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
       My life's been full. I've savored much,
            Good friends, good times and loved ones' touch.

       Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
       Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
       Lift up your ears and share with me.
       God wanted me now. He set me free!

Joe Casal, is the author of this beautiful poem and all credit belongs to him alone. It was one of Jim's favorites that he sent me when he knew he would soon leave us.

ahh what a Day!!
JIM

Here is another poem that has many times been used on websites but it is so perfect in describing how Jim felt about life and spoke about death.

Letter From Heaven

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness;
Here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, They'll be here later on.
I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man,"

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street
and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go....from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey, is the author of this poem and all credit belongs to her.

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We will miss Jim. May you Rest in Peace.