dad poorly and in transition

[jayneangel]

my dad is in hospital and is about to make the transition to spirit. I feel that he's hanging on to life because of fear of the unknown. he's never been a believer of any religion or faith unlike me. i have tried to comfort him without freaking him out but i know that when he passes i will go to bits. so what i'm asking is does anyone know of any good poetry or similar that i can read at his funeral? i'm worried that i won't do him justice when the time comes because my heads a shed at the moment. Never lost one so close before. its a weird feeling. thanks.

[alinic]

jayneangel, i am sorry that i dont know any poetry, but my thoughts are with you at this difficult time, just think of all your happy times with your dad.
Take care xx

[johnlambert]

You will know the poetry to read when the time comes jayne, you know your Dad, we don't. Try + be there at the end, he will know you are there and it will ease his passing
God Bless
Xx

[RATTER15]

I am an atheist but that does not mean the that the end is not known, your Father may know that there is nothing more where he is going, I see that as a positive view, so maybe not afraid!! I don't think there is an afterlife so I have nothing to be afraid of in death. I'm just trying to give another perspective on what could be your Fathers views.

Remember to celebrate his life not mourn his death

I hope his passing is swift and peaceful.

[Baby Jane]

My thoughts are with you may God Bless You.

[rabbitygirl]

After my Dad died there was a very difficult 2 week wait until the funeral for different reasons. I wanted to do a reading but before I had even given it proper thought I felt a strong pull to write a poem, something I hadn't done for donkeys years.
I sat down and words just flowed from me and onto the paper, the lines rhymed almost without thought and memories I had forgotten reappeared. In 8 short verses his 77 years were encapsulated. There was something for everyone to personally remember him. It was gently humorous and poignant but not sad. I felt proud and strong when I stood to read it because I believed the words are his. I had made a handful of copies to give to relatives but such was the clamour later that I gave what I had to groups to copy their own.
My mother keeps a copy on her bedside table and occasionally I will look at my own copy which gives me enormous comfort and a few smiles at the memory of him.

[raysparx1]

Hi jayneangel, sorry to hear about your dad, hope it is very peaceful when it happens take care and look after yourself, maybe this poem may be apt. Ray xx

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 sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken 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.

[Psychick]

jayneangel, it was only last August I went through what you are going through now so my heart really does go out to you. It doesnt matter what you say when the time comes, you will not let him down as the words are being said by you with emotion and love, and that is all that matters.

There is a piece a friend of mine read at his fathers funeral a couple of years ago and it has always stuck with me. Even though I am not religious myself, for some reason I have always found the words to be so meaningful and comforting - which why I actually just put it in another thread so I apologise for the repeat.

God saw you getting tired
A cure was not to be
So he out his arms around you
And whispered "come with me"
With tearful eyes we watched you
And saw you pass away
Although we love you dearly
We could not make you stay
A golden heart stopped beating
Hard working hands at rest
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best

[tattoo1094]

Jayneangel,
im not quite sure what to say,other than im sorry for your pain.My father has terminal cancer and for the last two years its been quite difficult, i think ive kind of ignored the inevitable.
Im sure when the time comes you will be able to say all the things you need to .........but maybe just to let him know he s not on his own which im sure you have and to let him know how much you love him.
I also have never had anybody die thats close to me other than my dog and a misscarriage which i think is slightly different .
No more said , but i will think of you x x x

[bigmamma]

Reading the kind and moving answers above I don't feel I can add anything other than to say my thoughts are with you and your father as his time to pass comes.

[RATTER15]

As an Atheist I think Rays poem is most touching!!

[moonshadow]

You can shed tears that he is gone
Or you can smile because he has lived
You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all he left
Your heart can be empty bacause you can't see him
Or you can be full of the love 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's 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'd want
Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

God Bless, Sweetheart.

[bonbon28]

Death is Nothing at all

Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I and you are you
whatever we were to each other
that we still are
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
pray smile, think of me, pray for me
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was
Let it be spoken without effort
without the trace of a shadow in 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
somewhere very near
just around the corner
All is well

[fran2]

I lost both my parents in 18 months jayneangel and never thought I would ever get over it. All I can say is, although you'll never get over losing your beloved Dad,you will come to terms with it. I found this short poem comforting.
Unseen by others you walk by my side.
I love you too much for death to divide. fran xxx

[smudge]

Hello jayneangel - just being there holding your Dad's hand & quietly talking to him will be of great comfort, although the beautiful poems will help you both too.

We lost Dad, then Mum within 20 months of each other which broke all our hearts, so do understand how you're feeling.

Arms around you.

Smudge -xx-