Today one of my oldest dearest friends died, its so sad. He was the most wonderful person who did so much for dogs but without ever drawing attention to himself. Anyway to cut a long story short, I want to send something to his wife & sons to show how much we cared about him & how hugely respected he was amongst numerous groups, ranging from waterfowl exhibitors, to being a KC member and also the veterinary profession. Does anyone know of a nice poem that could sum up how special he was?

No poem springs to mind, but sorry for your loss Sam.

Very sorry to hear that Sam, we seem to have some posters that are very good at poetry for these occasions so I am sure someone will assist you very soon.

This is a lovely poem its called i heard the angels say!!

I thought I saw your face today,
in the sparkle of the morning sun.
And then I heard the angel say,
"Their work on earth is done."

I thought I heard your voice today,
then laugh your hearty laugh.
And then I heard the angel say,
"There's peace dear one at last."

I thought I felt your touch today,
in the breeze that rustled by.
And then I heard the angel say,
"The spirit never dies."

I thought I saw my broken heart,
in the crescent of the moon.
And then I heard the angel say,
"The Lord is coming soon."

I thought that you had left me,
for the stars so far above.
And then I heard the angel say,
"They left you with their love."

I thought that I would miss you so,
and never find my way.
And then I heard the angel say,
"They're with you every day."
"The sun, the wind, the moon, the stars,
will forever be around,
reminding you of the love you shared,
and the peace they've finally found.



Bobbi Davis

This was told to us at my uncles funeral not so long ago and it really helped me think differently about death

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, "There, she is gone."

"Gone where?"

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side, and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port. Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "There, she is gone!" there are other eyes watching her coming, and there are other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!" And that is dying.

- Henry van Dyke (1852 - 1933) American author, educator, and clergyman

He Is Gone

You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.
 
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
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 him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on,
You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your
                                                                          back,
Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes,
                                                              love and go on.
David Harkins     

Daisy, that is fabulous, that is how I wish we could all look at life and death, sometimes it comes as a relief when someone dies. To be able to look positively is so important but so hard to!
Karen :-)

A version was read by the Queen at her mother's funeral :)

Daisy

Daisy, I think that is beautiful and so up-lifting. I lost my husband just before Christmas after a very long illness,when I feel extra low I shall read those lovely words and feel better.

Lovely.  I've never read so many threads on one forum that have made me cry so much.  It's a sad time but these are good words of inspiration in difficult times.

There's a very special garden
Where the trees of memory grow
Nurtured by the kindness
And concern that good friends show.
The roots are cherished memories
Of good times in the past
The branches tender promises
That souls endure and last.
It's a place of peace and beauty
Where bright new hopes can start
It's memory's lovely garden
That soothes the hurting heart

Author Unknown

If We Could Bring You Back Again

If we could bring you back again,
For one more hour or day,
We'd express all our unspoken love;
We'd have countless things to say.

If we could bring you back again,
We'd say we treasured you,
And that your presence in our lives
Meant more than we ever knew.

If we could bring you back again,
To tell you what we should,
You'd know how much we miss you now,
And if we could, we would.

By Joanna Fuchs

My dearest family and friends,

Some things I'd like to say, but first of all to let you know I arrived okay. I'm writing this from Heaven where I dwell with God above, where there's no more tears or sadness, there is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight, remember that I'm 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!"

When you think of my life on earth and all those loving years, because you're 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, but if I tell you now, you wouldn't understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over. I'm closer to you now then I ever was before.

When you are 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 you feel the gentle breeze upon your face, that's me giving you a great big hug or just a soft embrace, and when it's time for you to go from that body and to be free, remember you're not going, you are coming here to me....

I was at my friend's mom furneral not that long agao and thought this poem was lovely

thanks everyone, so many choices, not sure which I shall go with yet

aw dollface. That is such a lovely poem.
So so lovely.

i like this one

Miss Me, But Let Me Go
Author Unknown.

When 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 not too long,
and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that was once shared.
Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take,
and each must go alone.
It's all a part of the master's plan,
a step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart,
go to the friends we know.
Bear your sorrow in good deeds. Miss me,
but let me go.

Fiona

Never heard that one before it's lovely

I read this poem at my great-aunt's funeral.

Do 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 awake in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of 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.

I also like this poem by Christina Rossetti

Remember me when I am gone
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand
Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay.

Remember me when no more day by day
You can tell me of our future that you planned.
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.

Yet if you should forget me for a while,
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had.
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.

This one my grandma wanted us to have when she passed on...

To All My Loved Ones

When 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 on and 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;
             And never, never
             be afraid to die,
             For Iam waiting
             for you in the sky!

I really like this one as well...

DON'T GRIEVE

Don't Grieve for me, For now Iam 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 Love, to laugh, to work, or Play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. I've found that Peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a Void, then fill it with Remembered Joy, A Love and 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 Tomorrrow. My Life's been Full, I Savoured Much; Good Friends, Good Times, A Loved One's Touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too Brief. Don't lengthen it with undo Grief. God wanted me now; He Set ME Free....