Celebrating the life of Vivia Joy Bradshaw

by Dawn Joseph

I can still remember the last time I saw you in Atlanta last February as I helped you carry your bags to the car after a wonderful family get-together. The weather was cold and the trees were bare but our home was warm as we all dined, laughed and shared old stories. I watched you drive away Auntie, not knowing this would be the last time I saw you. Our hug goodbye will forever be etched in time. I know you would not want us all to cry so I will just say we will carry you alive in our hearts forever.

You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that 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 is 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 would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.