You've filled my thoughts since I woke this morning, your name on my lips, your face in my mind's eye. I've thought of you on this day through more than twenty passing years. Your birthday, and this year you are memory.
It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all, so Alfred Lord Tennyson supposed, and it's true. The earth is richer for your presence; the legacy you left behind is lasting and beautiful. I feel your absence with a keenness that surprises me; ours was a friendship that flowed and ebbed, and I didn't expect to miss you so upon your leaving.
Our first days together swung largely on the whims of others. We were young, our children were small, our mates were alike in nature and interest, and we found ourselves together. Kindred spirits, you and I were not...but we gained more through the crucible of years: we became sisters.
Our last days together: sweet gifts, all. We spoke from the heart of love, faith, grace, forgiveness, paradise waiting. We sang and prayed together in worship to our common Father. These precious moments of sharing are memories dear beyond measure.
Today, a rose for your earthly resting, fond thoughts spoken together with others touched by your life, prayers of love for your family and for ourselves in the grief of missing you. We carry on in hope; may your legacy of faith, love, and friendship be continued with us.