I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there.
I did not die.

He lives on forever in our hearts, but we buried him in his favorite spot on February 27, 2002. He loved to sit at the top of the parking lot by the bench and watch for people to arrive. He sits there now.

We will remember him always. We'll remember the way he used to come and sit in class. We'll remember the way he would come to each one of us and tell us hello. We'll remember the way he would always beg for treats. We'll remember his smile as he contentedly slept on the rug by the fire. We'll remember his bark as he became impatient for whatever we were eating or wanted in the house. We'll remember the way he would walk up to anyone and nudge their pants pockets because they must have treats in their pockets just like Jack always did.

We'll remember how he was always cared for and how he was always welcome. We'll remember the day he came into ceremony because he wanted a ride home in the rain. We'll remember how faithful he was to Cody and he always knew when it was a day Cody was going to visit. We'll remember how the two of them would kiss when they would meet each other. The love shared between those two blessed beings was truly pure and unconditional.

We'll remember how he helped us bless the land adding his own blessing to the holy water areas. We'll remember how he was there every morning when Jack was and how he waited for his morning breakfast. We'll remember how he would stay with us there when we were alone and how he would wait closely by like a patient body guard until we were ready to leave.

We'll remember how he slept on this couch and waited to be adored. We will adore him always and remember him always.

This poem reminds us of Roscoe:

by Marsha McCarthy