The Release of a Loved One
It was removed prior to the funeral service, but was brought to the graveside to be released following a short service. They recited a lovely poem and just before its release they walked throughout the congregation allowing everyone that wanted, to gently pet it, as a way of saying goodbye. As they did this they described how this dove respresented the spirit of your lost one. They then allowed one of the family members to take hold of the dove and release it, sending the spirit on its way. They described how as you watch the dove soar away out of your sight, and you say, "Goodbye, there he goes." There are others beyond the horizon on the other side that see it and say, "Look, here he comes!" This is the first time I've ever seen this done, but I can say it was awesome! You can't believe the peaceful feeling you have while watching that single white dove (the spirit of a loved one) fly out of your sight. And, its as if you can almost actually hear those on the other side saying, "Here he comes!" I just wanted to share this with those of you that have suffered a loss. I hope you can find as much comfort in those words as we recently did. God bless. |
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| I read this earlier and did not reply. I have been thinking about this.
Haveing had so much loss in my family, I can look at this and say. This is a great idea. So many times we try to say goodby with nothing to hold on to. I can picture my latest loss ( Fergie) with wings on flying to her home in heaven. Thank You so much for sharing this with us. It can put a whole new light on saying goodby. Bless You, Deana |
| That's a very powerful image. Thanks Pam. |
| What a beautiful and comforting ritual! |
| What a lovely tribute! Thank you so much for sharing.
Chris |
| That was a very touching idea. I wish I would have thought of something like that when my parents both died. The symbol of a white dove has always had a powerful meaning. I'm sure the ritual at the funeral must have been very spiritual and uplifting. |
| Dear Pam,
Thank you for sharing this story of comfort. Tuesday was the graveside service for my Mother in Law. Please keep her in your prayers. Her long term suffering with many severe illnesses has now been transitioned to peace and light by God's grace.... Your story will bring a comfort to our family........ Love, Zahra |
zahra wrote: ...transitioned to peace and light by God's grace...
Two years ago my husband had a collapsed lung and was in critical care for three weeks. Three times we almost lost him. During that time I worried and prayed. I prayed that he would be healed and return home to me, then I prayed the God's will be done, not mine. One night I was standing outside the hospital talking to God, telling Him that I knew He'd be with us regardless of the outcome. As I stood there praying a white dove flew under the overhang of the ambulance entrance, back out, then back in, this time landing just a few feet in front of me. My heart almost lept out of my chest. Such a peaceful feeling came over me. I KNEW everything was ok, regardless. When I went back in I asked the receptionist if they had doves flying around out there often. She didn't recall anyone mentioning it. (I know, Satan was already trying to steal my miracle). My husband came home and a year later was in serious condition again. As was his younger brother. At that time as a lot of you know I had to part with 4 of my 5 OES. There was no dove that time, but the appearance of the angels from this site and the NEOES. The funeral we attended was for my husbands younger brother. Because the two of them were so ill at the beginning of 2005 they would sometimes tease with one another about who would go first. Bad taste in jokes maybe, but I think it was partly to help one another lighten the loads they were carrying and a way to accept the doom and gloom news they each had received from their doctors. His death immediately took us back through the last two years of our own situation. It was very difficult to look into the face of one brother without seeing the face of the other. I had no idea they were having this dove ceremony, but I can assure you that the "dove" once again brought peace into my heart. With the release of that dove I was able to let go of the fear that tried to envelope me once again. Of course, in my case the dove does represent the Holy Spirit. Once again, the Comforter came to my rescue. If you are offended, I apologize, but to those of you that believe as I do, I hope you'll understand why I wanted to share this with you. Its not for sympathy, its a testamony of the abundance of God's grace, and the peace He offers. Zahra, I thank God that you found comfort and peace. I prayed not only for your mother in law, but for you, your family and our OES family. God bless. |
| Thankyou for the story of the dove, very spiritual and such a lovely tribute to do. I will remember this story tomorrow when I have to attend a funeral of one of my sons best friends, killed in a head on smash last thursday, so sad and so traumatic, but thinking about a dove and all that it represents will help, I will stand there tomorrow with my son and imagine a white dove flying free.
Thankyou again.  |
| My beloved husband recently passed away in September. As they were placing him in the crypt, there were 3 white doves that appeared at the very top of the crypt building ledge. One of my friends mentioned that it was a sign sent from the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We all looked up at the doves and they were just watching us from above. It was so strange, but it was also comforting and beautiful. |
| Shelley, I'm sorry for your loss. I don't know that I've ever seen a dove, but I love what they represent. I hope you got some comfort from them being there. |
Thank you for sharing the beautiful tribute of the white dove. It will always be in my mind for comfort.  I don't know anything about doves at all, but have never seen one in the wild. Are these birds native to certain areas? Can they survive on their own? Not meaning any disrespect to the poster or to the beautiful tribute. |
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