Richard P. Layman

There will be days when grief feels strong,

When everything seems somehow wrong.

There will be moments we wish he were near,

When we need his voice, his smile, his cheer.

But in those moments, may we remember

The warmth of his life, like an ember.

May we speak his name and share his story,

Remembering his laughter, his love, and his glory.

For a person's life is never measured

Only by years or things they treasured.

It is measured by the hearts they touched,

By the love they gave and meant so much.

Though his chair may now remain empty,

And the silence sometimes feel too heavy,

The space he filled within our lives

Will remain long after this goodbye.

We will carry forward what he gave,

The lessons he taught, the memories we save.

We will remember him when the sun shines bright,

And think of him in the quiet of night.

And perhaps, as time begins to heal,

We will find comfort in what we feel.

The sadness may soften, though never disappear,

Because someone we loved will always remain near.

Not in the way we wish today,

But in every memory along the way.

In stories told and photographs kept,

In promises made and tears once wept.

So let us not say goodbye forever,

For love has no ending, no final endeavor.

Let us say, “Rest peacefully, my friend,”

And trust that love does not truly end.

May he find peace beyond this life,

Free from sorrow, pain, and strife.

And may those left behind find grace

As they learn to live without his face.

Though we cannot know what lies beyond,

We can hold close the love that bound

His life to ours, both near and far,

And remember him for the man he was.

So rest now peacefully, wherever you may be.

You will always hold a place in our memory.

Your journey has ended, your earthly work is done,

But your story continues in everyone.

And when we speak of you, let it be

With love, with laughter, with dignity.

For though today we mourn and cry,

The love you left behind will never die.

Until the day our paths meet again,

Rest peacefully, our loved one and friend.

May your memory bring comfort and light,

And may you rest in eternal peace tonight.