This is not Goodbye

Elizabeth Maud (Babs) Gunning

1918 – 2014

Last Saturday whilst many were celebrating St. Brigid’s day, we received the worst news possible. My dear Gran had passed away. Sometimes with the sadness that accompanies the loss of a loved one, we forget the most important thing. To celebrate the lives they had. I have many fond and happy personal memories of my Gran which shall remain with me always, although no longer physically with us she shall remain forever in our heads and hearts. Gran was a terrific lady, it was never Christmas in our house until she arrived. She was both kind and generous, with a free spirit which led her to travel the world in later life. As young kids she imparted her adventurous spirit on us and we even got to go on some trips with her. At the fine age of 95 Gran has left on her next adventure, and whilst she wont be coming back to us this time, I look forward to a time when we will meet again.

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 do not die.
by Mary Frye