Friday, February 3, 2012

Farewell Friend


It is with a heavy heart, and a saddened mind that I write this post.

The First Sergeant and I said our goodbyes to our dear neighbor and friend today.
A young man who had endured many health problems from an early age, and yet despite those hardships, chose not to focus on the negative, choosing instead, to live his life to the fullest.

Tony, loved the outdoors, and all the beauty nature had to offer.
He was a dedicated husband, and brother.
A friend to all who met him, his smile would light up a room, his humor would leave you giggling.
His talents in woodworking were impressive.
His love of life, brimming-over.

Godspeed you on your journey 'home' Tony.
There's a triumphant welcome awaiting you.

We miss you already dear friend.


Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am in a thousand winds that blow,
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain,
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am in the morning hush,
I am in the graceful rush
Of beautiful birds in circling flight,
I am the starshine of the night.
I am in the flowers that bloom,
I am in a quiet room.
I am in the birds that sing,
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I did not die.


~ Mary Elizabeth Frye

24 comments:

Elizabeth said...

So sorry for your lost.

Hilary said...

I love that poem.
So sorry for your loss....life is tough sometimes.

Susie said...

Dear Jo, I am so sorry to read of the loss of your neighbor and friend. It never matters how we are tied together in life, the pain of loss is too real. You are in my prayers and the young man's family too. xo,Susie

Betsy Brock said...

Oh, I'm sorry! You've had to say goodbye to several dear ones in recent months!

Shine said...

So sorry for your loss dear friend....we are so fortunate to have many dear friends to cross our paths....sounds like you were very blessed to have known Tony....We all feel very blessed to have you as our friend also...Blessings~~Shine

Sharon said...

Sorry for the loss of your friend and neighbor. :(

Janice Kay Schaub said...

I sympathize, I know how much it hurts to loose a friend. Last year was not a good one for me or our family. In fact on the 7th will be the one year anniversary of loosing my granddaughter Alexandra. I will be thinking of you. He sounds like a nice person and that's always a loss.So sorry. Love the sentiment of the poem too. I found that when Alex died.
Janice

Country Gal said...

So sorry for your loss ! A beautiful poem !

Tweedles -- that's me said...

I am sad with you. It's so hard for our friends when they are sick, and you know their journey has been rough. But its harder to say goodbye to them.
I love this poem that you shared,
love
tweedles

Terry said...

Oh, this is so sad. I'm sorry, Jo.

Mary Ann said...

So very sorry for Tony's family and for you, his friend.

黄清华 Wong Ching Wah said...

Sad, And wonderful dedication !!!!

Jim and Sandie said...

How wonderful to have been able to share this young man's life for even a short time. My prayers of comfort to you and his family.

♥ my diary♥ said...

nice post thanks for sharing...blessings...

DJan said...

So sorry for your loss, Jo. And it is a beautiful poem, a fitting tribute. Hugs.

Ann Summerville said...

What lovely memories he has left behind. I love the poem.
Ann

MadSnapper said...

thanks for sharing this touching tribute to your friend.

George said...

I'm sorry to hear about the death of your friend, but this is a beautiful tribute to him. The photo is marvelous.

Anonymous said...

a fine tribute for your friend Tony!

Miriam said...

I'm very sorry for your loss. And along with sadness comes joy that such people are in our world, even if they're not here long enough. Thank you for sharing your memories.

YONKS said...

A beautiful tribute to your friend. He is at rest, it is those left behind who suffer, which I am sure he wouldn't want.
Sorry for your loss! Thinking of you.
Di
x

L. D. said...

I am sorry and know that your friendship meant a lot to him. It is always hard to see them leave.

Maura @ Kisiwa Creek Photography said...

Dear Jo...I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dear friend and neighbor. The poem is beautiful. Hugs to you my friend. Maura X

Barbara said...

What a lovely tribute to your friend.