This message of remembrance comes from several sources. It was used as an example of a way of remembering at the Bereavement Course that I took. A longer version was sent to us (see below) with a few extra verses, which added to the poem. What more appropriate Ways to Remember than with "We Remember Them," as a way of remembering those who are no longer with us.
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At the beginning of the year and
when it ends,
We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will
live;
for they are now a part of us,
as we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of
strength,
We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
We remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share,
We remember them.
When we have decisions that are
difficult to make,
We remember them
When we have achievements that
are based on theirs,
We remember them.
As long as we live, they too shall
live,
for they are a part of us, as we
remember them.
You included "We Remember Them."
If it's the prayer/group reading you're speaking of, it's in the Memorial
Service/Yiskor section of the Gates of Repentance, the New Union Prayer
Book for the Days of Awe, the reform Judaism prayerbook for Rosh Hashona
and Yom Kippur. Pages 490/491.
I first heard about it from my
therapist, who had also used it at her son's memorial 4+ years ago. Then
I found it during the holidays in September. Her version actually had a
couple extra verses than the version in the prayer book. We used it at
my baby son's, Fletcher's memorial. We obviously changed the "them" to
"him." We had everyone read this aloud together. It was beautiful.