Epitaph

Let not my passing bring much relief, nor such a mournful grievance  be;

But let there be a celebration, of the life I've lived for thee.

This Lord is my one desire, may this be my only care,

that, when my earthly race is over, those left may sense Your presence there.

Let there be no dry eyes present, but may tears that stream be only joy,

For I have shed these earthly shackles, I've escaped the final Oy!

I'll be standing in Your presence, let each loved one see me there,

On the lap of my beloved, finally resting in Your care!

Let the picture be a comfort, when each one comes to their end,

Let them cross with no fears present, knowing You will see them in.

And then we'll have a grand reunion, the likes of which we've never seen,

And we will be perfected beings, the the ones we always should have been.

Finally I've found the freedom, from the blasted flesh-restraints.

Finally I'm in the presence of You, Lord, and all Your saints!

So do not mourn because I'm leaving, dance because I have arrived!

Do not act as though I'm dead, for I am finally alive!

Sandra Carlton Duncan

6/12/11

(Written In Honor of Emma Lee Nimmer on Sunday afternoon, as she lays, stricken with pneumonia, between heaven and earth deciding whether she will surrender this time, or not. This expresses my sentiments on facing the end of this life, as we know it, and I believe she would wholeheartedly concur. )