Nice quote/song lyrics/words needed (today) please!

What about that lovely Joyce Grenfell poem

“If I should die before the rest of you
Break not a flower, nor inscribe a stone
Nor, when I am gone, speak in a Sunday voice
But be the usual selves that I have known.
Weep if you must,
Parting is hell
But life goes on,
So sing as well”
to you and all your family.

Your life was a blessing
Your memory a treasure
You are loved beyond words
and missed beyond measure.

Found this, don't know who it's by.

I can't think of any lyrics for you . But I do think what you've said already is loving and articulate - it doesn't need much else . Deep in peelings and feelings ! I hope the day goes well . x .

Flaxseed is this what you were referring to?

“The amazing thing is that every atom in your body came from a star that exploded. And, the atoms in your left hand probably came from a different star than your right hand. It really is the most poetic thing I know about physics: You are all stardust. You couldn’t be here if stars hadn’t exploded, because the elements - the carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, iron, all the things that matter for evolution - weren’t created at the beginning of time. They were created in the nuclear furnaces of stars, and the only way they could get into your body is if those stars were kind enough to explode. So, forget Jesus. The stars died so that you could be here today.”

Not, how did he die, but how did he live?

Not, how did he die, but how did he live?
Not, what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of his birth.
Nor what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with words of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away?

Maybe you would like this. By William Blake.
The loss of a dear brother, the joy of a new baby,
I hope it is a wonderful family day for all of you.

Joy and woe are woven fine
A clothing for the soul divine.
Under every grief and pine
Runs a joy with silken twine.
It is right it should be so,
We were made for joy and woe,
And when this we rightly know
Through the world we safely go.

These are all terrific. Thank you ladies. Your widespread and varied knowledge is very much admired and appreciated by me. All noted.

Lovely words above. Cherish his memory with those that are special no better tribute that that

Or just let the love that is in your heart come out through your mouth in your own words.

A close friend lost her adult son and I found these lovely anonymous words: The Cord ...
We are connected my son and I, by an invisible cord not see by the eye
It’s not like the cord that connects us at birth, this cord can’t be seen by any on earth
This cord does it’s work right from the start, it’s binds us together attached to the heart
I know that it’s there though no one can see, this invisible cord from my son to me
The strength of this cord is hard to describe, it can’t be destroyed, it can’t be denied
It’s stronger than any cord man could create, it withstands any test, it can hold any weight
And though you are gone, though you’re not here with me
The cord is still there, just no one can see
It pulls at my heart, I am bruised, I am sore
But this cord is my lifeline as never before
I am so thankful to be connected this way
A mother and her son, death cannot take it away ?

coconut that is so touching and precious sentiments.
I would choose that if it were me.

Other than that speaking from the heart is best because you will say exactly what you feel rather than a set piece.

Invite your parents to say a few things too.

Or do both , a set piece and your own heartfelt expression.

Wow! Totally wonderful stuff here - have bookmarked three.

I always raise a glass at Christmas to 'absent friends' to my dear late husband and try to smile bravely though I'm sure it looks a bit false.

Oh Coconut that made me cry. D.S. had op earlier this year and I was so worried that he would not pull through. Fortunately he did.

Yes, wonderful words. Thanks and [flowrs] super-grans!

This is a poem I find a comfort

So many different lengths of time by Brian Patten

How long does a man live after all?
A thousand days or only one?
One week or a few centuries?
How long does a man spend living or dying
and what do we mean when we say gone forever?

Adrift in such preoccupations, we seek clarification.
We can go to the philosophers
but they will weary of our questions.
We can go to the priests and rabbis
but they might be busy with administrations.

So, how long does a man live after all?
And how much does he live while he lives?
We fret and ask so many questions -
then when it comes to us
the answer is so simple after all.

A man lives for as long as we carry him inside us,
for as long as we carry the harvest of his dreams,
for as long as we ourselves live,
holding memories in common, a man lives.

His lover will carry his man's scent, his touch:
his children will carry the weight of his love.
One friend will carry his arguments,
another will hum his favourite tunes,
another will still share his terrors.

And the days will pass with baffled faces,
then the weeks, then the months,
then there will be a day when no question is asked,
and the knots of grief will loosen in the stomach
and the puffed faces will calm.
And on that day he will not have ceased
but will have ceased to be separated by death.

How long does a man live after all?
A man lives so many different lengths of time. 

And there is this one a personal favourite recited when my Father's ashes were interred:

I am not there

Do not stand at my grave and 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 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 cry.
I am not there;
I did not die.

Just want to say so sorry for the loss of your brother ....

There are some truly inspiring words and poetry here ...wonderful to read all these

I hope you will find something personal that you want to say in your own way as well........as you say, you have a new life in the family to give you all hope for the future. Every good wish to you all

So sorry, for the loss of your brother, I know how that feels.

My brother, my only relation, died in 2010. I miss him everyday he looked out for me. Good wishes.

I lost my brother in 1969 when he was 18. My mother never recovered. She died this June at the age of 87. I gave her eulogy and quoted this at the end - we talk about them, not because we’re stuck or because we haven’t moved on, but we talk about them because we are theirs and they are ours and no passage of time will ever change that. X

What comforting words - I do hope that you find what you want to say, Flaxseed. What a wonderful thing to do as well, to have this gathering in your brother's memory.

Rather than a poem, you might read at a funeral why not ask each guest to remind the gathering of a funny story, such as from his childhood, or school/college or a memory they cherish of him. That way everyone is involved and there will be laughter which is lovely for the family.

Thankyou Maw, I really like that. I hope it went ok Flaxseed.

You never, ever forget a loved one. Do hope you and your family have a wonderful day to celebrate your late brother's life. What wonderful, touching poems sent in by Gransnet. In life's best things, our loved ones live on.