A poignant tribute from a mother for her beloved son, and another from a brother for his adored sister
Contributed by: J.K.Mann, Canada | Steve, California, USA
A short eulogy is not necessarily also short on feeling, as you'll find out when you read these two reader-submitted examples.
Both are honest and heartfelt expressions of the mixture of bewilderment, pain and grief caused by losing a loved one prematurely.
As you read, try to picture and hear their writers speaking to you. 'Seeing' the person while 'listening' to their voice will help give their words life.
The first eulogy, 'My son, my moon', is a beautiful, brief, yet complete tribute from a mother for her son.
We know from the way it's written, and the vocabulary used English is not her native language. The composition's stark simplicity underlines her devastation rendering the pain of her loss palpable and inescapable.
In a short 249 words, (about 1.30 - 2 minutes when spoken), we learn a significant part of the reason why this son is revered. He left his home country, went to Canada, established himself, and then sponsored the family he'd left behind to join him.
(Google translate tells me the language used, aside from English, is Hindi, and provided the translations.)
Read My son, my moon
The second; Eulogy for my little sister Suzy, grapples stoically with the knowledge that Suzy's death had been forecast. She had cancer and everyone she was close to knew it was terminal: a matter of when, rather than if.
Her big brother Steve, the writer of the eulogy, has combined two themes. The first is focused on the joy and laughter she brought into her family's life, and the second is how much Suzy appreciated and enjoyed them in return.
While her loss is painful, he reminds his listeners to remember with gratitude, the richness she brought into their lives.
Read Eulogy for my little sister Suzy
I am Sam's mother. I am going to do the hardest job of speaking at the funeral of my son Sampuran Mann.
He was born on 11 April, 1960. It was a puranmashi (full moon) day and a Monday too. My Mom named him Sampuran. It means "full, complete".
When he was 2 years old he saw the moon in the sky. He said, "Tuts Hoya chand". It means broken moon.
He landed in Canada in 1987. He sponsored us all. We thank him.
He was a very hardworking person and technical minded. He used to help his coworkers and people used to ask for help with some electronics. He worked on the school board.
One day he told me Mom, be like the song, "Don't worry, be happy".
Another song he liked was, "Na much chipa ke jiyo au r na sar jhuka ke. Jiyo, game ka daur bhi aye to muskura ke jiyo."
("Don't live by hiding your face or by bowing your head. Live, even if the time for 'games' comes, live with a smile.")
He lived his life like it.
On 4 January, 2017 my moon Sam got broken. He was 56 yrs. only. It was my time to go, but cruel death took him away. He left us all crying for our loss.
Now he is at peace he is with Waheguru, the god. Sam, I will never ever forget you till I die.
Goodbye my precious son. We all love you, son Sampuran.
Are you here because you're grieving and have a eulogy to write? Sharing either your memories and reflections, or your thoughts about preparing your eulogy, can help. (As will reading what others in a similar situation to yourself have said.)
The link will take you to my 'About me' page where you'll find a contact form to use. Please let me know which of these eulogies you are commenting on: 'My son, my moon' or the 'Eulogy for my little sister Suzy'. I promise I'll respond as promptly as I can. If you wish, I'll add what you have to say below the eulogy of your choice.
Susan said: Thank you for sharing. I wish you love and strength. Yours is the journey any mother fears, regardless of the age of her child.
Today is the saddest day of my life since we lost Joseph 18 years ago and before that our parents, Roy and Yolande. We knew Suzy's path was set many months ago when she told us that the chemo was not working and there was nothing left to do.
I am so full of grief and sorrow as I write this, but I also know how lucky I am to have been Suzy's big brother.
What a joy she was to everyone she knew! The room lit up when she walked in because she loved life and wanted to have fun! She was irreverent and sassy; always wise cracking and pointing out secrets that embarrassed you so much. And yet that side of her was quickly forgotten and forgiven by all.
She knew how to get through tough times, as she proved in her battle with cancer.
I will miss her so much, as all of you will, but what great memories she left us with.
What a life well lived, so full of love and happiness! Each of us could go on and on about how she lifted us up when we were down and made fun of simple hardships.
We all know her accomplishments well as a daughter, sister, friend, wife, mother and grandmother.
She was so in love with Perry and always credited him with taking such good care of her in her sickness.
She was so very proud of Amanda and Kevin and Clark. What joy you brought to her each day, right up to her final one. She loved to tell me what little Clark was doing each day and what new things they had discovered when playing together.
Each one of us grieves Suzy's loss today, and I expect our sadness will continue. It won't go away. However, as time passes it will fade but never be forgotten. We are all so lucky to have known Suzy and our lives are richer and fuller because of her.
I love her so much, rest well my little sister!
Susan said:
Thank you, Steve, for sharing with us your love for your little sister Suzy. There is such joy in your words! You are celebrating her life although lamenting her loss, and you do both with admirable grace.
I know what you've written will be truly helpful for others.
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