Monday, October 18, 2010

Another Way to Carry Raymond With Me

A visit from Adrian Quain, (Funeral Director) some time after Ray's funeral, provided an unexpected surprise. I was overwhelmed to learn that he had taken the liberty of collecting Ray's cremated remains from the Beresfield Crematorium, in order to minimise costs, and had been holding them on my behalf. He decided to take just the tiniest amount of Ray's created remains and to place them on the back of a Holy Card with the verse SAFELY HOME before having it laminated. He provided the explanation that this was not something he had previously undertaken and yet he was determined to do something 'unique' for me.

Adrian reiterated the affect the home visit had on him and the love he had experienced within the home. Guess it is slightly unusual to say that I not only carry Ray in my heart, but in my wallet as well. Oh well, I have often been accused of being 'different.'

Safely Home
I am home in Heaven, dear ones;
Oh, so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over
Every restless tossing passed
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last.

Did you wonder I so calmly
Trod the valley of the shade?
Oh! But Jesus’ love illuminated
Every dark and fearful glade

And He came Himself to meet me
In that way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus’ arm to lean on
Could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For I love you dearly still
Try to look beyond earth’s shadows
Pray to trust our Father’s Will

There is work still waiting for you
So you must not idly stand
Do it now, while life remaineth-
You shall rest in Jesus’ land.

When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you Home
Oh, the rapture of that meeting
Oh, the joy to see you come


4 comments:

Unknown said...

Talk about a special person and a special deed too...your Funeral Director was one unique fellow!! I've never heard of funeral cost being wavered for anyone! Payment plan is the biggie here with some of the Funeral Homes and that comes with interest charged of course!
Such a special gesture to fix the laminated card for you Cheryl. That was so heart touching! Wonderful how he felt the impact of your and Ray's love and unity that you shared! such memories to behold!!
Megan is a chip off the block for sure with her writing and doing so well at it too! What a gift!
Enjoy your blogs and thanks for sharing your life with us my friend! Hope it gives as much joy as you give in doing these! Love to you today and a "special gentle Hug". xoxo

Kaz said...

Chez yayyy as we say krama and sure he got his in a special way weasther here on earth or up in heaven,very special man and Martha said it so well.

Love Kaz.xoxo

Anonymous said...

WOW! What a lovely post. And I love the poem so much! Thank you for sharing it with us Chez!
xoxoxo

Kaz said...

Oops Chez she my writing is all messed up,must of been still sleeping..xo