Allan - My Dear Brother 1940 - 2012

Today we farwelled my dear brother Allan.
He lost his battle with cancer last Sunday morning.
Allan was a kind, generous, loving person, who gave freely to all who knew him.
He was my brother, my confidante & my friend.
I loved him so much. I am missing you already Al.
Rest in Peace.

Death is Nothing at All

Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away to the next room.
I am I and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
That, we still are.

Call me by my old familiar name.
Speak to me in the easy way
which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.

Laugh as we always laughed
at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word
that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect.
Without the trace of a shadow on it.

Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same that it ever was.
There is absolute unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind
because I am out of sight?

I am but waiting for you.
For an interval.
Somewhere. Very near.
Just around the corner.

All is well.
Henry Scott Holland

[Lynda Parker]

This is a lovely poem about death; and yet it's about life as well. Grandma had this read out at her service too.

[Lois P]

Yes Lyn, he liked that. These words are so true.

[Rick Schies]

Beautiful words to use as a farewell tribute Lois. Life can be hard, especially when it means letting go of those you love so dearly. It is a time of big adjustment, a life without them. I cannot believe it is coming up on a year already that my Dad left us. My prayers continue for you and the family as all continue during this difficult time.

[Lois P]

@digitalrn - thank you so much Rick, your words mean a lot to me.
Unreal to think that time has passed so quickly since you Dad left you.

[Howard Steele]

our thoughts and prayers with you over these sad times.

[Judith Johnson]

Oh dear - I'm so sorry. What a wonderful picture of him to treasure. Bless you all.

[Elizabeth Hanna]

That's a beautiful photograph to go with all your memories ... been thinking about you these days. God bless.

[Terry]

So sorry to hear about your loss. I am happy though to hear the relationship you had.

[Sue Wilde]

That's a beautiful photo to remember him by. Hugs from here

[Lois P]

Thank you all so very much for your kind thoughts & messages of condolences. I still can't believe I will not see him or speak with him again. So sad.

[Bill Bohlen]

So sorry to hear about the sad passing of your brother Allan, Lois. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Regards from Los Angeles.

[Diana Moss]

Lois I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear brother.But whilst you keep him in your mind he is still there for you x

[Melissa Pike]

I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your brother. It's wonderful that you two were so close and got to share so many wonderful times, and that you'll always have those memories. My thoughts are with you.

[Lois P]

@wilbo43 - thank you Bill

[Lois P]

@snowy - thank you Diana

[Lois P]

@melissapike - thank you Melissa - I miss him so much.

[Netkonnexion]

I am sorry for your loss. But warm and wonderful words as a tribute. Lovely. He had a wonderful face.

[Lois P]

@netkonnexion - he did have a wonderful face & I am missing him.

[Louise & Ken]

That sweet face and welcoming smile make me sorry he's someone I never met. In this brief glimpse, I can see why you were close and it was that and so much more as siblings. I'm sorry it came so unexpectedly, and just as he was about to enjoy retirement. It's a lesson to us all, not to let the minutes slip away. I wish you'd had more time; you're in my thoughts.

I'll email a reply soon. Yes, we'll go north in less than a month. I'll be in touch...xo