PLEASE - don't ask us if we are over it yet. We'll never be "over it." PLEASE - don't tell us he in a better place. He isn't here. PLEASE - Don't say "at least he isn't suffering". We haven't come to terms with why he had to suffer at all." PLEASE - Don't tell us to get on with our life. We are still here, you'll notice he is not. PLEASE - don't ask us if we feel better. Bereavement isn't a condition that "clears up." PLEASE - don't tell us that "God never makes a mistake" or it was "God's will." You mean he did this on purpose? PLEASE - Don't tell us at least you had him for 67 yrs. What year would you choose for your Father’s life to end? PLEASE - don't tell us God never gives you more than you can bear. Who decides how much another person can bear? PLEASE - just say you are sorry. PLEASE - Just say you remember him. PLEASE - Just let us talk if we want to. PLEASE - Just let us say his name without turning away or changing the subject. PLEASE - let us cry when I must.

IN THE LIGHT A shadow of joy flickered; it is me. I told you I wouldn't leave.. My spirit is with you. My memories, my thoughts are imbedded deep in your heart. I still love you. Do not for one moment think that you have been abandoned. I am in the Light. In the corner, in the hall, the car, the yard -- these are the places I stay with you. My spirit rises every time you pray for me, but my energy comes closer to you. Love does not diminish, it grows stronger. I am the feather that finds you in the yard, the dimmed light that grows brighter in your mind, I place our memories for you to see. We lived in our special way, a way that now has its focus changed. I still crave your understanding and long for the many words of prayer and good fortune for my soul. I am in the Light. As you struggle to adjust without me, I watch silently. Sometimes I summon up all the strength of my new world to make you notice me. Impressed by your grief, I try to impress my love deeper into your consciousness. As you should, I call out to the Heavens for help. You should know that the fountain of youth does exist. My soul is now healthy. Your love sends me new found energy. I am adjusting to this new world. I am with you and I am in the Light. Please don't feel bad that you can't see me. I am with you wherever you go. I protect you, just as you protected me so many times. Talk to me and somehow I will find a way to answer you. Mother, father, son or daughter it makes no difference. Brother, sister, lover, husband or wife, it makes no difference. Whatever our connection-friend or even foe-I see you with my new eyes. I am learning to help wherever you are, wherever I am needed. This can be done because I am in the Light. When you feel despair, reach out to me. I will come. Our love for you truly does transcend from Heaven to Earth. Finish your life with the enthusiasm and zest that you had when we were together in the physical sense. You owe this to me, but more importantly, you owe it to yourself. Life continues for both of us. I am with you because I love you and I am in the Light. ~ Author Unknown

If we had all the world to give We'd give it, yes, and more... To hear your voice, see your smile And greet you at the door. But all we can do dear Lyle is go and tend your grave And leave behind tokens of love To the best Dad God made.