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Help needed with retreat readings and...

The TVClubHouse: General Discussion ARCHIVES: 2006 Mar. ~ 2006 May: Help needed with retreat readings and more for eulogy users admin

Author Message
Wapland
Member

08-01-2000

Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 2:32 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wapland a private message Print Post    
Hi Gang,

I am needing some help with a vesper service I am responsible for this weekend at my Christian ladies retreat. Our topic is touch....I am looking for any inspiritational readings, poems or songs that might be appropriate.

Secondly, I have been honoured by my friend whose mother recently passed away from alzheimers. She would like me to offer a brief eulogy to her mother. Is anyone aware of any appropriate reading that I might use. This was a special lady who lived valiantly through this disease for the last 9 years.

Thank you my friends,
Fondly
Wappy

Ketchuplover
Member

08-30-2000

Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 2:47 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Ketchuplover a private message Print Post    
Have you googled for the info you need?

Texannie
Member

07-16-2001

Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 2:48 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Texannie a private message Print Post    
Wappy, as to the eulogy. I would just speak directly from the heart about your relationship with the mother, daughter, how much she inspired you and what she taught you.

Julieboo
Member

02-05-2002

Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 2:51 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Julieboo a private message Print Post    
http://dying.about.com/cs/funeralplanning/a/eulogy_writing.htm

Julieboo
Member

02-05-2002

Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 2:52 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Julieboo a private message Print Post    
I Did Not Die

Do not stand at my grave and forever 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 sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and forever cry.
I am not there. I did not die.

Melinda Sue Pacho

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Alzheimers...prison of the mind.

He looks at me with his huge hazel eyes With a mind that tells him so many lies.
He looks like he has so many things to say, "My eyes work, but my brain doesn't today."
"There has to be a time I remember your face." "But now I don't recall the how or the place."
"I'm to love and your being here should be a clue." "I just can't remember it's supposed to be you."
"I thought I had a wife, friends and a family once before." "But my home was taken. I don't recognize this door."
"I have things to say to you that are on the tip of my tongue." "Recent memories are gone. All I recall was when I was young."
"I can't drive a car or mow the lawn." "My skills for all that are forever gone."
"I need to go to the bathroom and I need someone here." "But I don't remember who to call so I don't cuz of fear."
"This makes me want to lash out at you." "It's hurting me what I'm going through."
"I know it's not your fault nor is it mine." "But I do know I'll never again be fine."
"Hear me shout inside this prison I call my mind." "Forgive me if I hurt you or may treat you unkind."
"I will never run out of things to say." "Take me home God I find I pray."
I know you're sad Paul. I know you're there. I may not understand you, but I'll forever care.
He now appears to be a shell of a man. He does the best he remembers he can.
When he goes home he'll have much to gain. God will take away all this, especially his pain.
I want to love you, hug you and say it's "OK." I know your brain wanders or goes astray.
You will always be loved wherever you are. No matter within reach. No matter how bizarre.
No matter how you look at it or spell D-a-d it will be the same. Backwards, forwards. It's the name to me you'll forever claim.

Love ya Dad....
Christine Elaine Bean



Julieboo
Member

02-05-2002

Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 3:02 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Julieboo a private message Print Post    
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0595245501/002-6592190-6281640?v=glance&n=283155

Twiggyish
Member

08-14-2000

Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 3:21 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Twiggyish a private message Print Post    
We had something similar when my dad died. He was someone who truly lived his dash well. Maybe your friend's mother did, too.



How Do You Live Your Dash?


The Dash


I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning...to the end.
He noted that first came her date of birth
And spoke the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth...
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own;
The cars...the house...the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile...
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while

Vee
Member

02-23-2004

Thursday, April 20, 2006 - 4:47 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Vee a private message Print Post    
Prayer for Those Who Mourn


Bless those who mourn, eternal God,
with the comfort of your love
that they may face each new day with hope
and the certainty that nothing can destroy
the good that has been given. May their memories become joyful,
their days enriched with friendship,
and their lives encircled by your love.
Amen.


- Vienna Cobb Anderson

Wapland
Member

08-01-2000

Monday, April 24, 2006 - 8:29 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Wapland a private message Print Post    
Hi there,

Thanks for all your help. I am still looking for suggestions for poetry or readings about alzheimers. I have googled like crazy.

Fondly
Wappy

Twiggyish
Member

08-14-2000

Monday, April 24, 2006 - 10:48 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Twiggyish a private message Print Post    
Wappy, I know you'll find something appropriate.

Kiersten_love
Member

08-03-2001

Sunday, May 21, 2006 - 7:42 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Kiersten_love a private message Print Post    
here you go wapland, i have included a poem for you and check this site where i got this one from, hope you like:


by
William Smiley


When we're together, I look in your eyes and...nothing.
That glimmer that was once there, now is gone.
Sometimes I wonder if you even know my name,
what time it is... yesterday... what's been done.
Your mind seems so clouded and confused;
you sit and try to understand.
I even wonder what it is that's left of you:
a blank face, behind a smiling mask.
Some days are good days,
others are bad.
The Alzheimer's has control.
Then, it seems to have disappeared.
You don't understand
and you strike at me,
seem to realize the reality,
and you're sorry, no longer mad.
We walk, precious moments, in the park,
even though you're winded fast.
I look to these times in the dark,
when you think it's morning, ready to start anew.
It's strange, how you once cared for me,
and now it's I who cares for you.
Each moment of needed sleep I stay away from you,
I feel relieved, but guilty. I'm not there...
You often walk the halls,
something's troubling you.
If I ask, and you speak, I don't understand.
Your voice is mumbles, gasps, and even stranger sounds.
Oh how I wish that I could ease the pain.
The world you once knew has crumbled, fallen down.
The time has come
for us to part.
If I had one wish come true,
it would be: you'd find the love I have for you.
But this unseen killer with the booming voice
has called, and taken you away.
One last time, I whisper in your ear,
"I love you mama, and I know you love me too."