On Letting Go

The following is a partial list of non-sectarian books that I have found to be most helpful in coming to understand death, and putting it into perspective:

* The book that started all the interest            |          **The book I found the best for me

We at CARE Funeral Services are confident that reading this material will give you hope for the future and will help you cope with the passing of your loved one.

A doctor visiting a terminal patient at the patient’s home leaves his dog outside.
As the patient expressed concern about dying, the dog scratched at the door.
Then thoughtfully the doctor turned to his patient and said: “My dog has never been inside your house, but it is enough to know that I am in here.”
We should be like that dog. It is enough to know the Savior is there.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for . . . the evidence of things unseen.

Spiritual Health – Even though:

My parents were not available to me, I can be.
My parents could not admit that I had needs, I can.
My parents were in denial, I do not have to be.
My parents could not meet my needs, I am learning to.
My parents could not say “I love you” when they were sober, I can admit my loss without being drunk.
My parents used alcohol to hide their feelings, I can admit that I have feelings, and I can let my feelings in.
My parents did not treat me as a real person, I am learning to recognize and admit my own worth.
My parents used alcohol to avoid change, I can be open to possibilities without panic.
I was raised in a home of denial, I do not live there anymore.
I have needs, desires, and worth. I will shut off that phony smile or that phony anger that has been used for so long to keep others away.
I will open my eyes and my ears to hear the world say “Hello!” I am learning that I can sit quietly and listen and be afraid without losing my sobriety.
I am learning to say “I love You.”

Excellence can be attained if you . . .
Care more than others think is wise;
Risk more than others think is safe;
Dream more than others think is practical;
Expect more than others think is possible.

Yesterday is History
Tomorrow is a Mystery
Today is a Gift
That’s why it is called “The Present”.

FOOTPRINTS

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along a beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. “Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.”

The Lord replied: “My precious, precious child, I love you and would never leave you.
During your time of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”

~ Author Unknown

With God everything is possible
~ Mark 10:27

Burdens Can Be Blessings
Our Father knows what’s best for us,
So why should we complain –
We always want the sunshine
But He knows there must be rain –
We love the sound of laughter
And the merriment of cheer,
But our hearts would lose their tenderness
If we never shed a tear …
So whenever we are troubled
And life has lost its song
It’s God testing us with burdens
Just to make Our Spirit Strong!

~ Helen Steiner Rice

Sioux Prayer

Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the winds,
And whose breath gives life to all the world –
Hear me.

I come before you, one of your many children,
I am small and weak,
I need your strength and wisdom.

Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever behold
The red and purple sunsets.
Make my hands respect the things you have made,
My ears sharp to hear your voice,
Make me wise so that I may know the things
You have taught my people,
The lesson you have hidden in every leaf and rock.

I seek strength
Not to be superior to my brother
But to be able to master myself.
Make me ever ready to come to you
With clean hands and straight eyes,
So when life fades as a fading sunset,
My spirit may come to you without shame.

~ Chief Yellow Lark
Lakota Sioux

THE TEN INDIAN COMMANDMENTS

Treat the Earth & all that dwell
thereon with respect
Remain close to the great spirit
Show great respect for your
fellow beings
Work together for the benefit
of all mankind
Give assistance & kindness
wherever needed
Do what you know to be right
Look after the well-being of
mind & body
Dedicate a share of your efforts
to the greater good
Be truthful & honest at all times
Take full responsibility for
all your actions

AMAZING GRACE

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found
– Was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believed!

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares:
I have already come;
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

And when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess within the veil
A life of joy and peace.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Then when we’d first begun.