This poem read at my mother's funeral is not my work.  It was chosen by the Queen for her mother's funeral. It was written by an unknown poet and attempts to track down the author have come to nothing. Experts believe that it came from a condolence card and that its popularity spread on the internet by word of mouth. It's believed the poem was sent into the palace on a memorial card by a member of the public. It was used because it reflected the Queen's thoughts on how the country should celebrate her mother's life. It feels like an entirely fitting tribute to my mother too.

You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile that she has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her
Or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she's gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
Be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she'd want:
Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

God Bless you and thank you for following.