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Post by myboysnme on Feb 27, 2016 18:01:30 GMT
I have been asked to give the eulogy at the last 3 funerals I attended. I always have a poem I end with. For my grandfather who lived to be 99 I used Life by Henry Van Dyke. I love his poetry for eulogies.
LET me but live my life from year to year,
With forward face and unreluctant soul;
Not hurrying to, nor turning from the goal;
Not mourning for the things that disappear
In the dim past, nor holding back in fear
From what the future veils; but with a whole
And happy heart, that pays its toll
To Youth and Age, and travels on with cheer.
So let the way wind up the hill or down,
O'er rough or smooth, the journey will be joy:
Still seeking what I sought when but a boy,
New friendship, high adventure, and a crown,
My heart will keep the courage of the quest,
And hope the road's last turn will be the best
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Post by anniefb on Feb 27, 2016 18:02:16 GMT
I gave one of the two eulogies for my Mum. It was hard, but something I really wanted to do. Definitely make it personal - that's what people want to hear. Your memories about the kind of person she was, the times you spent together that maybe others don't know about. A touching or a funny experience you shared.
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Post by mom23sweetpeas on Feb 27, 2016 23:57:23 GMT
Thank you Ladies i love all your advice and will remember- i have already started writing it and feel that it is doable- i think fear was stopping me
I wrote most of it from my own perspective and will add some more in as a talk to others- unfortunately not everyone saw both sides of her so it is a delicate balance but it is going well. I have written it in large font and will remember to bring water and my daughter who while young is a good public speaker has offered to step in if i lose it!
Again thanks for your help, prayers and encouragement
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Post by corinne11 on Feb 28, 2016 0:27:23 GMT
During the past 2 years I have given the eulogy at my father and mother's funerals.
My Dad had written a memoir of sorts years ago, so I used that as a basis for telling his life story. I did edit bits, while my mum was mentioned (married 20 yrs -4 children) I chose not to mention his 2nd wife. His 3rd wife was there so I of course talked about the last few years of his life. My relationship with him was a bit bumpy over the years and he lived 8hr drive away so I was not as close to him.
My Mum- well, that was always going to be the hard one. This one I wrote entirely by myself.
Both times I had my husband stand behind me , ready to take over if need be. I stumbled a few times (mentioning my brother who passed away at 25) and my husband just touched me on the elbow and I took a deep breath and was able to continue. Ultimately, I was pretty proud of being able to do both, my younger sister knew she couldn't do it and my older sister doesn't speak to us and certainly didn't offer any input into both funerals, just turned up on the day.
Sorry for your loss and good luck with your eulogy. Practise it many times, have it typed out in large font and have good spacing. I'm sure her family and friends will love hearing different perspectives of her life.
Corinne
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