Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the winds and whose breath gives life to all the world, hear me. I am small and weak. I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice. Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people. Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock. I seek strength, not to be superior to my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy - myself. Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes, so when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit will come to you without shame. american indian - lakota - chief yellow lark - 1887

I sit and look back to how far I can remember, & you are always there next to me. Thank you dad for all you gave & everything we had. When I needed a helping hand; yours always reached out, with no thought for yourself. You liked to joke, you made me laugh, & a smile was never far from your face. Your lively spirit always had time for everyone you met; helping with your hands of many skills. I thank you for so many happy memories & for being strong faithful and true. I am so proud of you, brave and strong to the end. A million times I'll need you; I will smile whenever I hear your name. I shall always remember & even though you had to leave, in my heart you remain.

Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep I am a 1,000 winds that blow I am the diamond glints on snow I am the sun on ripened grain I am the gentle autumn rain When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled light 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