A father’s eulogy at his daughter’s memorial service…. – by James
Simone (my wife)
You mean more to me than life itself
your grief now like an arrow through my heart.
I love now more with all my might
holding you close deep into the night.
I will let you grieve in your private space
be patient and gentle by whatever it takes.
We will find together in time some peace
To lay our special girl to eternal sleep.
We will share the pain and wipe away the tears
and be a rock to each other when we wake in fear.
I will cherish you my dear sweet darling wife
until the last waking breathe of my life.
Words alone cannot express the magnitude of the love I have for you in my heart for you.
James
Murray (my son)
My dear sweet child you are too young
to know that Belsie has gone to my mum.
I pray to keep the pain from you my boy
that we make Belsie’s memory part of your life’s joy.
You loved your sister with all her smiles
kissing her every morning and all the while.
Daddy will love and cherish you through his pain
reminding you always that you will see your Belsie again.
My darling angel Belsie
You brought me joy no words can tell
the pain of losing you hard to quell.
I gently hold your face to mine,
remembering your smiles forever time.
Our morning cuddles and holding my ears
will bring to me still so many tears.
I will build a place in our garden for you
Where we can sit quietly and think things through
I let you go now fly to god
Your perfect spirit forever etched in my heart.
Boopsie – I will love you forever and will send you kisses and loves every day of my life.
Your loving Daddy Pops
Final
I have always been cynical about the concept of community, regarding other more distinctive groups outside of my own, only to have that sense.
The immense outpouring of love and support Simone and I and our families have experienced this week has been quiet unbelievable. It’s reminded me that we, by conscious or subconscious decision, often refuse to see what is in front of us.
We see you all standing here today, have received your hundreds of messages and felt the grace of your prayers and we thank you so very much.
Our special school community Bishops has been incredibly supportive from the instance we lost our daughter. Father and Mrs Wilke we will never forget what you have done for us in this time.
Friends may you and your families be blessed with peace, tranquillity and love.
“Do your little bit of good where you are; its those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world”.
Bishop Demond Tutu