By Mitch Carmody —

Do not bring flowers to my grave
and weep
I did not die
I do not sleep

Lament not at my passing
with tears upon my stone
I do not lay beneath the sod
and you are not alone

Bouquets of flowers will not bring me back
my voice cannot be heard
look for me upon the wind
in the song of a singing bird

I now reside within your heart
you must live my life for me
your head, your heart, your hands
have now become my legacy

Allow my heart to beat
in concert with your own
and continue to plant the seeds
of my life that should be sown

You substantiate my life
by the way that you live yours
my physical life has ended
but it opened a special door

The doorway to my soul
is wide open with no hasp or lock
I am there when you need me
when your heart needs to talk.

Energy never dies
your combined energies created me
now I live within you
no pain, no tears, I’m free

Make me proud Mom and Dad
and still share my life with all
although I did not want to go
I responded to my call.

It was time for me to go
for God has a bigger plan
the same for every one of us
every child, every woman, every man.

Grieve not with anger,
hopelessness and doubt
but grieve your pain openly
you have to let it out.

Let out the rage of injustice
of guilt, pain and fear
and plan your new tomorrows
knowing I’m always near.

Do not bring flowers to my grave
bring sunshine to my heart
and together hearts beating as one
we make a brand new start.

If you do bring flowers

or a memorial wreath

know it’s only my body

that lies beneath.

My body has returned to dust

And my soul is flying free

But I will be there next to you

Whenever… you remember me.

Mitch Carmody 2008

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Mitch Carmody

After suffering many familial losses from a young age and ultimately with the death of his nine-year-old son of cancer in 1987, Mitch Carmody, has struggled with the grief journey and how grief is processed and perceived in this country. He published a book in 2002 called “Letters To My Son, a journey through grief." The book has now reached the bereaved in every state and 7 other countries. From the book’s success he now travels locally and around the country lecturing on the grief process and/or conducting workshops on surviving the loss of a loved one. He has also conducted a variety of workshops with The Compassionate Friends and Bereaved Parents USA as well as a sought after speaker for many keynote presentations. As a trained hospice volunteer, he has also helped many loved ones and their families through the dying process. Mitch has published several articles in national bereavement periodicals, is a frequent contributor to TCF Atlanta On-line and currently a staff writer for Living with Loss Magazine. Through email correspondence on his website he council’s the bereaved on a daily basis. Since the death of his son 19 years ago, Mitch has dedicated his life to helping those individuals and families whom are trying to navigate in the uncharted territory of death, dying and the bereavement process. Through his compassionate insight and gentle spirit he will touch your heart and hopefully give you tools to aid you on your journey Mitch lives in rural Minnesota with my wife of thirty years, he enjoys riding my horses, gardening, writing, helping others, giving blood monthly and creating works of art. He is also a proud first time grandfather to the daughter of their surviving daughter Meagan. To learn more about Mitch and his work, go to: www.HeartlightStudios.net. Mitch appeared on the radio show “Healing the Grieving Heart” discussing “Letters From My Son.” To hear Mitch being interviewed on this show by Dr. Gloria and Dr. Heidi Horsley, click on the following link: www.voiceamericapd.com/health/010157/horsley042706.mp3 Mitch appeared again on the radio show “Healing the Grieving Heart” discussing the Holidays, Helpful or Hurtful? To hear Mitch interviewed by Dr. Gloria & Dr. Heidi Horsley, click on the following link: www.voiceamericapd.com/health/010157/horsley122508.mp3

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