Archives News

Archives by Ellen Hale

Members of the archives committee, and indeed the entire temple membership, have suffered a great loss with the recent death of Haru Ishikawa. For many years, Haru provided the voice for our committee with her monthly newsletter articles. More than just listing our recent activities and new donations, each month Haru shared her gentle philosophy with us-- one of kindness and gratitude for all life's simple pleasures. Haru left a poem for all of us as a part of her memorial service, and we'd like to share it. Thank you, Haru, for being you. We will always miss you.

To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me
It's only for a while that we must part
When I am gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn't tie yourselves to me with tears
Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave you my love. You can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown
But now it's time I traveled on alone.

So grieve awhile for me if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It's only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear

And then, when you must come this way alone
I'll greet you with a smile, and a "Welcome Home!"

~Haru