Avo's Eulogy
I'm going to start with a poem that I found...
God Saw You...
by Unknown
God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped his arms around you,
and whispered, "Come to me".
You didn't deserve what you went through,
So He gave you rest.
God's garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best
And when I saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again.
And I believe that my Avo would have wanted us to dwell on his death and suffering. As he said to us, "do not mourn me when I'm gone". Instead we should celebrate his life and rejoice in his new beginning. We all know that my grandfather was a loving man who led a wonderful life. We all have many memories of him that impacted out lives. Whether it be back in Hong Kong playing tennis or lawnbowl at Recreiro, at the races, eating his lunch at the Lusitano, or many a weekend out on this boat. Or here in Scarborough at one of the many open houses he and my grandmother hosted, welcoming friends and family with open arms into his house, or at the weddings of his children or the births of his grandchildren.
Whatever memory first comes to mind for you, that is how he wanted to be remembered.
And on that note, I'm going to end with another poem that I found...
I Did Not Die
Melinda Sue Pacho
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.
Remember, he is like the wind.
Even though you can't see him, you know he is there because you can feel him.
We'll miss you Avo.