be happy for this moment.

A man's dying is more the survivors' affair than his own.
Thomas Mann

I'm putting a stamp on my second sympathy card sent out in the last two days. One for Nick's boss's father another for one his friend's father back home in Iowa.

I actually buy sympathy in packs of eight, I send them a lot because I know how nice it is to receive a note during a sad time. Often people just don't know what to say so they don't say anything at all. I think it is totally fine to write something simple, and I do, as well as including this piece that was given to me when my father died. Both my mom and I read it often and pass it along every chance we get.

I just wanted to share it and hope that it either is nice for you to read or print out to have on hand to send to someone when you don't know what to say.

I have only passed on to the other side.
I am me, and you are you.
What we were to each other, we still are.
Call me the name you have always called me.
Speak to me as you always have.
Don’t use a different tone.
Don’t be solemn or sad.
Keep laughing at the things we used to laugh at together…
Pray, smile, think of me, and pray with me.
That my name will be said at home, just as it always has
Without emphasis, without a trace of a shadow.
Life still signifies what it has always signified.
It is what it was always been; the thread has not been cut.
Why should I be out of your thoughts?
Simply because I am out of your sight?
I am not far away, just on the other side of the path…
You see, everything is okay…
You’ll rediscover my heart; you’ll rediscover my pure love.
Dry your tears, and don’t cry if you love me.
St. Augustine