"Make our crossing forth joyful passing!"

I went to a funeral today and it was such a joyful and uplifting and grateful experience. I am so thankful for the heritage that is mine. I feel like being a much better person now, because looking back on the family I came from, I have no excuse not to be. I know that my children will grow up with the same wonder, gratitude and love for their aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins. Precious and rare are the moments when we feel what is really important in this life, when the veil is thin and we feel the presence of our ancestors. Spirits from "beyond sunlight's setting" rejoiced with us today and welcomed Kerry as we said goodbye.

Let Peace Then Still the Strife
Text: David Warner

Let peace then still the strife,
The loneliness and grief,
Come heal the piercing silence of passing.
And sweet familiar strains,
The voices lost in death,
Arise in songs of hope everlasting.
Then let the voices roll
As waves upon the sea;
Come forth and break upon us, refreshing.

And barren coves be filled,
O'erflow with reverie!
Let mem'ry salve as Gilead's caressing.
And though the balm be spread,
Let tender rifts remain
That breaking hearts not yield to forgetting.
For hearts rent wide at death,
Unfolded to our dead,
Hear singing from beyond sunlight's setting.

Then sing, beloved ones,
Reach o'er the summer sea.
Pour forth thy boundless love for us living!
Sweep into ev'ry soul,
Make music of our tears,
Turn all our songs to joy and thanksgiving!
And when we silent pass,
From far across the sea
Let praises ring for life's wond'rous blessing.

Then sing ye living souls!
Sing generations past,
Swell high the tide of life, us refreshing!
Sing forth as with one voice,
Bear silent grief away,
Resound with peace and hope everlasting!
And all who wait and sing
Sing on from earth and heav'n
And make our crossing forth joyful passing!
Amen!