Just and Empty Shell

We went to Grandma Bonnie's funeral today. Her husband wrote this poem before he died. I wish they would have read this particular one because with her husband this is what she believed.

Laugh with me through life, I beg you.
Enjoy me while I live, I pray,
But please don't look upon this body,
After I have passed away.


This body's just the house I live in
While on earth awhile I dwell.
When I've died, my soul has left it,
Leaving just an empty shell.

When I leave, then cry not for me;
I have only ceased to roam;
Just this body left behind me;
God has called me -- called me home.



Send one rose to me while living,
Send it just to show your love.
'twill be better than a hundred
When I'm gone to Heav'n above.


Cry not for this house left vacant.
Cry not for the days before.
Just be thankful that the trials
And the pains will be no more.


So upon this place I have been
Look not, for I've gone away.
I have gone home to my Father;
Just this empty shell shall stay.

Ted Vance
(Burl Hamilton)