Sep 19, 2009

Found my goodbye poem





As you all know I have been packing etc...well I found this poem in an envelope for me to be opened upon my late husband's death. If anyone can tell me who wrote this I would love to know. Here goes:

When I come to the end of my
Journey, and I travel my last
Weary mile; just forget that I
Ever frowned and remember
Only the smile.

Forget unkind words I have
Spoken; remember the good i
Have done. Forget that I ever had
Heartache, and remember I've had
Loads of fun.

forget the I have stumbled
And blundered and sometimes fell
By the way. Remember I have
Fought some hard battles and
Won, ere the close of the day.

Forget to grieve for my going. I
Would not have you sad for a day;
But in the summer, remember
How happy the times were
On the sands where we played.

And come in the evening when
The sun paints the sky in the
West; Stand for a moment to reflect,
And remember only my best.

I sat on the floor and read this and cried. It suited him. I don't know the author, but it is a clipping he kept for years and wanted me to have after he died. This little piece of faded paper brought me more comfort than you shall ever know.

6 comments:

Lou said...

It was written by Mrs. Lyman Hancock. I don't know her story, but you could google her name.

What a blessing to find the poem. A friend's sister died at 32 of melanoma. She had 3 young children. She wrote them all letters to be opened when they are 16. I can't even imagine how hard that must have been to write, or for them to read later. But I thought it was a wonderful idea.

Unknown said...

Mrs.Lyman Hancock

The poem was familiar and very heart felt

the walking man said...

When I'm Gone
by
Mrs. Lyman Hancock


Although I could not find the circumstances of her writing it. This seems to be the proper attribution.

Lori said...

To all of you wonderful people-

Thank you. Finding this clipping made me feel so good. I just was so curious as to who wrote it. I think I shall start saving little tidbits for my sons. Maybe when my time comes I can pass along some comfort. I am an avid scrapbooker, and incredibly sentimental. I save cards etc. Those are the little things that give me incentive when I need it. Thank each and everyone of you for always being here when you are needed or simply wished for. I consider each and everyone of you blessings in my life.

Brother Frankie said...

(((((smile))))

Rachel said...

THis poem gave me chills. Sounds like you found it at a perfect time too. I am thrilled you found comfort.