When I am gone I would like it to be remembered
that I took pleasure in the common things of life
delighted in the joys of Everyday
waking in the morning to life and breath and sound
and sight and smell, and the taste of bread
and the human voice and touch of those I love.
That everything is Gift — and more than this —
that there’s a Giver to whom one may give thanks.
That Everyday brings news of discoveries
fresh adventures of learning and knowing
words to hear and read and chew on, and minds to meet,
music to charm the ear and people I love
with whom to share the things that I have found
who’ll share with me what they have found also
I’d like it to be remembered —
that I was kind to others and myself
that I would smile at people (not at cameras)
laugh when I caught myself being over serious
that truth and beauty made my spirit soar
that I was wise with the wisdom of my years
yet innocent as the child who still, somewhere,
plays in my soul
that I loved questions more than answers
stories to tell, yet better, to inhabit —
that I dreamed that there could be a better world
yet never hated this one that isn’t so
nor gave up hope of how it all might be.
At day’s end never closed my eyes in sleep
without I blessed the Author of my life.
If this is what I’d like remembered when I’m gone
let it become my habit while I’m still here.
Godspelled 
I love this, Tony. As ever I am inspired by you. I read in voices, and it was lovely to ‘hear’ this in your warm, calm tones. I aspire to being able to say these things.
I love how story focused you are. I use Narrative Therapy practices in my work with children and families and I love the power of stories. I think my own faith story is flagging at the moment, being a bit drowned by other more dominant stories that get in the way a bit.
Thank you for continuing to inspire people like me. xx
LikeLike
Thank you for that encouragement, I’m so glad if it was helpful. Of course I feel a bit of a fraud writing something like that, that is so much more of an aspiration than a description of what actually is. But I suppose aspiration is the thing, when it comes to something like this…
I have wondered whether to make a recording of it so you can hear it in my real “warm, calm tones”. (!}
LikeLike