In Loving Memory of My Son Robert

November 18, 1963 - July 12, 2004

When I think back to the day my son died, I've often thought the doctors should have writted a death certificate for me as well as my son - when he died, a part of me died, too. He battled cancer through radiation and chemotherpy, but tried to spare us with his suffering. He wanted no sympathy, but I knew he had asked himself many times, "Why Me?"

I am sure that any parent who has lost a child, has asked themselves "Why Not Me?". I gladly would have given my own life for him to live, but it was not to be. But, although not physically, I died also.

Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow; I am a diamond's glint on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain; I am the gentle autumn's rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds circled in 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.

Unknown author