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David Braden (CCAL30) (1865)

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Comment by Sue Braiden (CCAL30)

Author: Sue Braiden (CCAL30) (2046)
Date posted: Fri, 04 Feb 2005 15:53:07 PST
Comment on: My Father Died (0)
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David, I'm so glad you found the courage to share this with us here. I know we've spoken about this before, but I'm feeling a real sadness for you knowing that this part of your journey with your dad has arrived. I lost my mom to cancer more than a year ago, and no matter how old you are, you're never ready to lose a parent. I hope that you are surrounded by many loving and supportive friends right now, and that you will find comfort in what your father has left you in the memories that you made together.

I want to share part of a canon by Henry Scott Holland. I read it to my dad when I gave the eulogy at my mom's funeral. Perhaps you will find a bit of comfort in it too ...

Death is nothing at all,

I have only slipped into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was,
Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was, there is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near,
Just around the corner.
All is well.

-- Henry Scott Holland 1847-1918

Wishing you comfort, peace and love, David.

Sue.
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