Scent of a woman

You know that feeling when you wake up and just know that you have something on, but can't quite remember what it is.

The alarm when I realised it was my colleagues husband's funeral, was immense. I didn't think twice, I was showered and in the car in 30 minutes and made it with 10 minutes to spare.
My colleague was a huge role model to her two young girls and the whole congregated crowd.

She read "Remember Me" by David Harkins.


Remember Me

Do not shed tears when I have gone
but smile instead because I have lived.

Do not shut your eyes and pray to God that I'll come back
but open your eyes and see all that I have left behind.

I know your heart will be empty because you cannot see me
but still I want you to be full of the love we shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live only for yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of what happened
between us yesterday.

You can remember me and grieve that I have gone
or you can cherish my memory and let it live on.

You can cry and lose yourself become distraught
and turn your back on the world
or you can do what I want - smile, wipe away the tears,
learn to love again and go on.



She did not falter for a second.

I can't say just how much I admire her.
I wish I could have been half as controlled if I was in her place, but I seriously doubt it.
Sometimes bereavment is unbelievable and I fear it has not hit her yet. I hope she will call on her colleagues and friends when she needs it. We will all be there if and when she does.