September 4
The Shutman family from 2007 including Steve’s mom Gloria. Gloria passed recently and I went to her funeral today. Here’s the first poem the rabbi read and it reminds me of my own mother. The rabbi didn’t know the source and it seems an adaptation of a common (unattributed?) poem (from my short browse of the internet):
Now That I’m Gone
Now that I’m gone, remember me with a smile and laughter.
And if you need to cry, cry with your brother or sister
who walks in grief beside you.
And when you need me,
put your arms around anyone
and give to them what you need to give to me.
You can love me most by letting your love
reach out to our loved ones,
by embracing them and living in their love.
Loves does not die.
And when all that’s left of me is love,
give me away as best you can.