Do Not Stand By 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 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.

Missing You

Colleen Fitzsimmons

I stood by your bed last night …I came to have a peep.
I could see that you’d been crying, and you found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
“It’s me. I haven’t left you. I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here”.
I was close to you at breakfast… I watched you pour your tea.
You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to touch me.
I was with you at my grave today… you tend to it with such care.
I want to reassure you. That I’m not lying there.
I walked you towards the house as you fumbled for the key.
I gently put my paw on you…I smiled and said, “it’s me”.
You looked so tired as you sank into your chair.
I tried so hard to let you know that I was sitting there.
It’s wonderful for me to be so near you everyday,
To say to you with certainty, “I never went away”.
You sat there quietly, then smiled… I think you knew
That in the stillness of the evening I was very close to you.
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to meet you and we’ll stand there side by side.
I have so many things to show you ! There’s so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out, then come home to be with me.

I Only Wanted You

They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true.
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,
In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I’d walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

–Vicky Holder

I’m Still Here

Friend, please don’t mourn for me
I’m still here, though you don’t see.
I’m right by your side each night and day
and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I’m always near.
I’m everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I’ll never depart
as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I’ll never wander out of your sight-
I’m the brightest star on a summer’s night.
I’ll never be beyond your reach-
I’m the warm moist sand when you’re at the beach.

I’m the colorful leaves when fall comes around
and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I’m the beautiful flowers of which you’re so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I’m the first bright blossom you’ll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I’m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
and you’ll see that the face in the moon shine is mine.

When you start thinking there’s no one to love you,
you can talk to through the Lord up above you.
I’ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
and you’ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I’m the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I’m the smile you see on a baby’s face.
Just look for me friend, I’m every place!

My Forever Pet

There’s something missing in my home,
I feel it day and night,
I know it will take time and strength
before things feel quite right.
But just for now, I need to mourn,
My heart — it needs to mend.
Though some may say, “It’s just a pet,”
I know I’ve lost a friend.
You’ve brought such laughter to my home,
and richness to my days.
A constant friend through joy or loss
with gentle, loving ways.
Companion, friend, and confidante,
A friend I won’t forget.
You’ll live forever in my heart,
My sweet, forever pet.

— Susanne Taylor

One Small Furry Friend

by, Merrill O. Fisher

There was in our home, this small furry friend, who didn’t ask to come into our lives, who didn’t require much help or care. Who didn’t cost us anything, but a little food, who only asked for some of our love and attention.

This friend of ours didn’t hurt anyone, by thought or deed – they only tried to please. All of our friend’s life was spent trying to make us happy. They asked so little, but gave so much. Never were they too tired, too hungry, never too sick to show us love. In every way possible, they demonstrated their love – with the tilt of their head, the sparkle in their eye, the wag of their tail, How they waited for us to show them some attention, so they could show us their love. How they lived the Golden Rule!

This friend was one of our family, a most important part of our lives. They are sadly missed, but we are so much better for having shared their life with us. We can think of nothing, and perhaps no one that has better taught us to give and receive love openly, unselfishly and unashamedly, as the One Small Furry Friend.

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this — the last battle — can’t be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close — we two — these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

They Will Not Go Quietly

They will not go quietly,
the pets who’ve shared our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know
their spirit still survives.
Old habits still can make us think
we hear them at the door
Or step back when we drop
a tasty morsel on the floor.
Our feet still go around the place
the food dish used to be,
And, sometimes, coming home at night,
we miss them terribly.
And although time may bring new friends
and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts
belongs to them…
and always will.

When I’m Gone

When I am gone, release me, let me go. I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears. Be happy that we had so many years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it’s time I traveled on alone.
So grieve awhile for me if grieve you must. Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
 It’s only for awhile that we must part. So bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away. For life goes on. So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near, and if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear.
 All of my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile and “Welcome Home.”

Your Pets in Heaven

To have loved and then said farewell, is better than to have never loved at all.
For all the times that you have stopped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you.
For the care that you gave to me so unselfishly, for all of these things I am grateful and thankful.
I ask that you not grieve for the loss, but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each others lives.
My life was fuller because you were there, not as a master or owner, but as my friend.
Today I am as I was in my youth.
The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers and the sun shines gently down upon all of God’s creatures.
I can run, jump, play and do all of the things that I did in my youth.
There is no sickness, no aching joints, no regrets and no aging.
We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know that togetherness is forever.
You live in our hearts as we do in yours.
Companions such as you are so rare and unique.
Don’t hold the love that you have within yourself.
Give it to another like me and then I will live forever.
For love really never dies and you are loved and missed as surely as we are.
Your Pets in Heaven

Ken D. Conover