Asking for Forgiveness and Repentance

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In all likelihood, this column will run after Yom Kippur has passed, and I sincerely hope the High Holidays were a time of true meaning and inspiration. Just as my column last week was brief, this column will be a short one as well.

Since my beloved wife Jane has passed on I have joined a support group to help me with my grief. Our group leader handed out a wonderful prayer, written by a rabbi, which I used as part of my prayer to Jane over her memorial candle. I thought it was so beautiful that I'd like to share it with you at this time. I started out by saying, “Dear Jane,�

I haven't forgotten you, even though it's been some time now since I've seen your face, touched your hand, heard your voice. You are with me all the time.

I used to think you left me. I know better now. You come to me. Sometimes in fleeting moments I feel your presence close by. But I still miss you and nothing, no person, no joy, no accomplishment, no distraction, not even G od, can fill the gaping hole your absence has left in my life.

But mixed together with all my sadness, there is a great joy for having known you. I want to thank you for the time we shared, for the love you gave, for the wisdom you spread.

Thank you for the magnificent moments and for the ordinary ones too. There was beauty in our simplicity. Holiness in our unspectacular days. And I will carry the lessons you taught me always.

Your life has ended but your light can never be extinguished. It continues to shine upon me even on the darkest nights and illuminates my way.

I light this candle in your honor and in your memory. May G od bless you as you have blessed me with love, grace, and with peace.

Amen

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