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What to Say at Funerals - Do Not Stand
at Grave and Weep
By Judy H. Wright
It seems there have been a lot of deaths of important
people in the news lately, Michael Jackson, Farrah
Fawsett, Patrick Swazie, Ed McMahan and others. We feel
sadness and sympathy for their families and friends.
Death and loss will happen to each of us at some time or
another. We will never be able to feel the exact
feelings they and their family are feeling, but we will
resonate with the sense of loss.
However, the most important funeral, memorial and grave
is the one of your own loved one.
If you have recently lost a friend, family member or
close associate, I extend my deepest sympathy to you.
This is a time of confusion when we need clarity to make
decisions. Perhaps you have been asked to speak at the
funeral or memorial or to share a incident that reminds
you of the one who died.
Eulogies and Tributes At Funerals
When I have been asked to speak at funerals and
memorials, it is sometimes a struggle to have thoughts
turn into meaningful words. My heart and emotions know
what I want to express but it is hard to find the just
right combination of phrases and comments that will
touch the spirits of those people who are hurting and
alone.
Do When I have been asked to speak at funerals and
memorials, I often refer to this favorite poem. Perhaps
it will bring you comfort or give you words to match
your thoughts. It is often easier to use another
person's words because they can more eloquently express
what you want to say and are feeling.
Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep
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's rain.
Do not stand at my grave and mourn.
I am the dew-flecked grass at dawn.
Where tranquil oceans meet the land
I am the footprints in the sand
To guide you through the weary day.
I am still here; I'll always stay.
When you wake up to morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there; I did not die.
Original attributed to Mary Elizabeth Frye (1905-2004)
Middle verse added by Lucie Storrs (1967- )
It is a wonderful honor to be asked to share a eulogy of
a loved one who has died. To be asked to share is to be
given a gift of love. It is also very frightening to try
to find the words and expressions which will bring
comfort to the bereaved. It is also a final gift that
you can give to the one who is no longer with you.
By sharing words of poetry or an essay that is able to
capture your feelings it will likewise touch the hearts
of those who are in the audience.
You can do it, I believe in you.
Would you like additional poems to comfort the grieving?
Visit http://www.DoNotWeep.com This is a wonderful
collection of literature dealing with loss and death. If
you choose to order it, you will be glad you did. I
certainly was.
(c) Judy H. Wright http://www.ArtichokePress.com You
have permission to reprint this article as long as you
keep the content and contact information intact. Thank
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