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Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I'm not there; I do not sleep.

I'm a thousand winds that blow,

I'm the diamond glints on snow,

I'm the sun on ripened grain,

I'm the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I'm the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circled flight.

I'm the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.

I'm not there; I didn't die.

So love with everything you've got.

Laugh, hug, and smile a lot.

You never know what God has in mind.

You'll never know when it's your time.

So take it as a lesson, whether you're young or old.

Learn from me and know your life is full of gold.

Maybe this will teach you to never regret a thing.

Although it's sad, you could've been me.

Pray for my family and my friends too.

Be joyous and glad that it wasn't you; yet.

And although it's really hard and rough,

God would want us to forgive the killer we've hated enough.

I know they miss me and I'll miss them.

But what's done is done, it's the end.

So enjoy your years, they go by fast.

Forget and forgive things from your past.

- In loving memories of our friend,
  Tamara Akashi, 1996-2016.
  You'll be missed.