Farewell

In a moment that only you could decide, you awakened to know the secrets of life. Like the mist you rose, but to fall again as rain to soak our fields and nurture our hearts and gladden our spirits with memories and laughter and delight.

What you kept are the wings of the eagle that carried you over the mountains and valleys each time you sought to know the heart of life.  Now you see with the eyes of the night-bound owl, and unveil the mystery of the light.  And you will howl with the voice of the wolf, and bring forth your own creations of love.

When you saw the spirit of death, you opened your heart wide unto the body of your life, for they are one, even as the river that runs down the mountain and through the valley and out to the sea are one.  Taken with you is the depth of your hopes and dreams, and your silent knowledge of the unity of yourself with love.  Trusting this passage as you would trust Love’s Son Himself, because Love is what you are.

Your family and friends stand now like shepherds trembling before a mighty king.  Yet, we all are more mindful now of our trembling, and the honor and the mark you left on our heart.  See the hands waving to greet you home.  See also the hands waving to bid you farewell.  Go as you must, but go with the taste of our bittersweet tears on your lips.

You drank from the river so that you could sing.  You soared above the mountaintop so that you could climb.  But now, because the earth has taken claim of your limbs, then surely you dance.

Farewell, dear son, dear brother and dear friend. Hear our soft whispers of need as you ascend, each of us saying, ‘I love you, Andy, now and forever.’