death is not the end

One of the 'stuff' of life issues  which I'm honoured to be part of is  that of taking part in funeral services..

There is a sense of beginning and ending, as one of my mates i met on the streets of melbourne put it, after saying goodbye to a mate, 'I've come to the conclusion death is a mystery'.

This week I along with a club brother, we  support a family with six daughters age 18>4 as they farewell their dad, their mothers partner.

As we sat with them the second to youngest daughters handed us a letter she wrote, which she would like read out at the funeral

This is the stuff of life where the mysterious ways of God are often the only way to make 'sense' of tragedy and loss.

When you're sad and when you're lonely
And you haven't got a friend
Just remember that death is not the end

And all that you held sacred
Falls down and does not mend
Just remember that death is not the end

Not the end, not the end
Just remember that death is not the end

When you're standin' on their crossroads
That you cannot comprehend
Just remember that death is not the end

And all your dreams have vanished
And you don't know what's up the bend
Just remember that death is not the end

Not the end, not the end
Just remember that death is not the end

When the storm clouds gather round you
And heavy rains descend
Just remember that death is not the end

And there's no one there to comfort you
With a helpin' hand to lend
Just remember that death is not the end

Not the end, not the end
Just remember that death is not the end

Oh, the tree of life is growing
Where the spirit never dies
And the bright light of salvation shines
In dark and empty skies

When the cities are on fire
With the burnin' flesh of men
Just remember that death is not the end

And you search in vain to find
Just one law abiding citizen
Just remember that death is not the end

Not the end, not the end
Just remember that death is not the end

Not the end, not the end
Just remember that death is not the end

Songwriters
BOB DYLAN