And then there is a white van that rolls up, with a gurney, and a sheet. That is when we say goodbye, whether we were ready to or not. Friend, neighbor, loved one, took their last breath and left us. The van pulls away, arrangements, flowers and farewells will follow.

The voices, the tears, the dreams of the lost one's embrace, help us cope. But in reality, the van came, they put the body on a gurney, and we say goodbye deep inside our heart. That is all we can know for sure.

Goodbye to that soul, and may it be in a peaceful place where there are no tears, no suffering, no crying to be let out. See that person in a pleasant garden or meadow. with the sun and breeze upon them, smiling.

Hope you have peace TG. I appreciate your sharing of that experience. I hope your expression lent itself to comfort and closure.

I'm sorry too.  Do you know if she knew Jesus?

My father in law passed away at 95 and I wasn't able to say good-bye. He was out shopping the day before he went to sleep and apparently did not wake up. He didn't really die of old age. Many live to be even older. He had a persistent cough he has complained about over the phone a day and a half before he died. He lived in Liverpool England. So when we got a call from the police  two days after speaking to him, we knew and rushed over to make arrangements. I know they tell us it is the best way to go but I wish we could have all said good-bye.

My broither died of cancer that could not be stopped because of his heart problems. He was 73. he had to choose whether to prolong his life and his suffering or let it be. he chose to let it be and we gathered around him . He spent the foirst days of the week talking to us and eating Good Humor strawberry shortcake pops. They he went into a deep sleep and died. Being with him was the most comforting thing involving death that I ever experienced.