Do not stand at my grave and weep
by Mary Elizabeth FryeDo not stand at my grave and weep:
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starshine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry:
I am not there; I did not die.
Found on “The Most Beautiful Poems in the English Language“
I’ve heard it said we die three deaths. The first is when our body ceases to breathe. The second is when those near to us stop remembering us. The third is when there is nobody left that has been touched by us.
The first death is well known and certain. So many in the world are valiantly trying to prolong their lives. In fact, humans as a species are living long now than ever, so that’s some progress.
We can delay our second death by living fully and in deep connection to others. Creating memories with others, living in love, and sharing who we truly are can prolong the memories.
Love is not a matter of counting the years —
it’s making the years count….by Wolfman Jack Smith
Our third death can’t happen, so there’s nothing to do. There is nobody alive who has not affected the rest of us. Simply being born affected our mothers. The air we breathe and water we drink are the same molecules that continue to recycle through, in, and out of all of us.
If you look deeply into the palm of your hand,
you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors.
All of them are alive in this moment.
Each is present in your body.
You are the continuation of each of these people.Everything we think, feel, and do has an effect
on our ancestors and all future generations
and reverberates throughout the Universe.
Therefore, our smile helps everyone.by Thich Nhat Hanh
View Pacific 
I love this! Thanks for sharing. It’s what I believe in. Just beautiful…
I hope you don’t mind if I reblog this?
Reblogged this on A Momma's View and commented:
So well said. Just what I believe in…
Thank you for sharing my post on your blog, and also for all the great ideas you’ve shared on your blog. I’m looking forward to reading more.
Ahh I love this thank you so much for piecing these writings together in such an eloquent way!
Diana xo
You’re welcome. Thanks for your compliment. Wow, “eloquent” is a high standard.
Vincent
This is such an amazing and touching post. “I am a thousand winds that blow” is something I tell my son before he goes to bed at night!
Reblogged this on danielandtasco and commented:
After all this time? Always!
Thank you.
May I say, you have a fortunate son.
Vincent
Thank you Vincent!
I like to visit cemeteries only to see the writings of history on the headstones.
That sounds interesting. Are there any histories you’d like to share?
I wonder how many gravestones are written by the deceased, and how many by others.
There are. I still have many blog posts left about the histories in the various cemeteries I have visited. A post about San Diego’s oldest cemetery is coming up soon, probably tomorrow as a matter of fact.
Also, see this post: http://russelrayphotos2.com/2012/04/11/what-i-learned-by-stomping-around-a-cemetery/
simply magnifique… ❤
Merci beaucoup. May you live long – all of your lives.