Mar 25 2008
Remember
Today is my brother John’s funeral. The Service should be over in just a few minutes, actually. I did not attend, partly because our parents live with me here in Georgia and the services are in New England. They are just not up to the trip, emotionally or physically. It is too much for them to fathom, too much to face. Truth be told, I have never been one to attend funerals. If they were held months or even seasons past the pain and emotion, perhaps. But not so soon.
This is the last Family Portrait where all of eight children and our parents were all together. It was taken at SisterDear3’s wedding, so I’m estimating it was 22 years ago or so. We were planning a new one for this summer.
MotherDear asked me to sign John’s Online Guestbook on behalf of our youngest brother who cannot attend. I searched for a poem I thought would suit them both. As I reread it, it makes me sweetly sad. I think they would both approve.
Remember
Remember me when I am gone away,
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 tell me of our future that you plann’d:
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.
Love, Billy
By Christina Rossetti with thanks to The Poetry Foundation
5 responses so far
The very best job I could ever imagine is one that would pay me to think… and the currency would be wine!
You’re in my thoughts. Saying “goodbye” in this life is not easy.
I enjoy your beautiful spring photos. They are great visual therapy for me!
I understand. Holding you on my heart in this sadness.
I’m truly sorry for your loss. Condolences to your family.
(((((Hugs))))) I am just now reading and responding to some of the comments to my “metal” photo hunt post last Saturday, and I was particularly touched by your comment about the death of your brother and your parent’s inability to attend the funeral. I can only imagine your parents’ grief and will remember all of you in my prayers.
I’ve just caught up on your news, and I’m so sorry to hear about your brother. My condolences to you, your parents and your family.