Jane and Paul,
In times of grieving, this poem meant a lot to me and helped me through the loss and pain. I sincerely hope it does the same for you. I will always think of Tyler as my 4th son, away, but waiting for us on the other side.
I cannot say, and I will not say
That he is dead. He is just away.
With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand,
He has wandered into an unknown land
And left us dreaming how very fair
It needs must be, since he lingers there.
And you—oh you, who the wildest yearn
For an old-time step, and the glad return,
Think of him faring on, as dear
In the love of There as the love of Here.
Think of him still as the same. I say,
He is not dead—he is just away.”