To Say Goodbye

Gather: petals from flowers that are dying; a packet of seeds; a dark glass bottle of water; a
candle; a body of water; a piece of torn cloth or ribbon

Timing: just before sunset

Affix the torn ribbon to a location over your heart or hold it in your hand.

Go to a body of water as the light is fading.

Read or say:

“Although this child left this world before they lived with us, this precious soul will
always live on in our memory. We shall remember this child by these names: [insert chosen
names], loved on this earth by [parents names].”

"Out of the depths I call to You, O God; You hear me fully when I call. God is with me, I
have no fear. I was hard pressed, about to fall; God came to my help. God, You are my strength
and my courage. I will not die, but live, and yet tell of the deeds of God. I thank You for having
heard me; O God, be my deliverance" (selections from Psalm 118).

Share with each other or with the universe your own words about the meaning of this loss.

Say, “When we lose someone close to us, something is torn inside. We can symbolize that
experience by tearing a piece of cloth and wearing it over our heart, reflecting what is happening
within. The being inside me never grew into life outside the womb. We did not know this baby,
except as a stirring, a dream, an invisible presence in our lives and our hearts. Still, part of us is
torn inside, as we acknowledge the end of this potential life that could not be. To reflect the pain
we feel on this day, we tear this fabric, reciting the time-honored words:

Say,: “God gives, God takes away. Blessed be the name of God.” (Job 1:21).

Cast the petals into the water and say, “Go peacefully home to where your loved ones are
waiting to hold you in their arms since you have passed into the world of light and everlasting
love.”

Throw the seeds into the water and say, “Grow strong and healthy, laughing and free in the
arms of your loved ones who are waiting to hold you in their arms since you have passed into
the world of light and everlasting love.”

Finally, pour the bottle of water into the larger body of water and say, “Flow in love from the
arms of those who love you here to where your loved ones are waiting to hold you in their arms
as you have passed into the world of light and everlasting love.”
Go home, light the candle, and say, “We let you go when you were ready, from our love to the
love hereafter. You were never alone on this journey and have passed from our arms to those
who will love you hereafter.”