Charlene I'm so terribly, terribly sorry that Gary's long fight is over. I'm sure he must have been completely exhausted from it and it's now time for him to rest. Saying good-bye is the hardest thing we're ever asked to do, but when the battle has been so long and so hard knowing that the pain is over makes it bearable. My prayer is that God will continue to be with you, nana and the rest of the family as you face the days ahead. Gary is already at His side.
Edited to add
When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see,
If the sun should rise
and find your eyes
are filled with tears for me.
I wish so much you wouldn't cry
the way you did today,
While thinking of the many things
we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand,
That an angel came
and called my name,
and took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready,
in Heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away,
a tear fell from my eye,
For all my life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
so much yet to do,
It seemed almost impossible
that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays,
the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday,
just even for a while,
I'd say good-by and kiss you,
and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
that this could never be,
For emptiness and memories,
would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow
I thought of you, And when I did,
my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked
through Heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
Then God looked down
and smiled at me,
from His great golden throne.
He said "This is Eternity,
and all I've promised you,
Today your life on earth is past
but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
today will always last,
And since each day's
always the same,
there's no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful,
so trusting and so true.
Though there were times
you did some things,
you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven,
and now at last you're free.
So won't you come
and take My hand,
and share My life with Me?"
So when tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart.
For every time you think of me,
I'm right there, in your heart.
~Author Unknown~