"Celebrating a Well Lived Life Of Appreciation" by Susan Pearl

Sleeping outside under the stars,
   away from the city-away from cars,
Who could ask for more?
It had been such a good day,
   hiking challenging trails to see the beautiful sights
       that are "out of the way".
Who could ask for more?

 A wonderful life-priceless parents,  a dear son,
   a loving wife by my side in a heart to heart special way,
   good friends and lots of nature enjoyment that uplifted the soul,
So, so much to be thankful for, having the joy of life each day.
The spreading tops of the tallest of trees formed a canopy over me
   as I walked to see mountains of great majesty-
Then reading book after book with so much knowledge to take in,
Oh,what a grand journey it all has been!
I have been given a lot and I know it,
I have gratitude and I want my life to show it.
By expressing to others my appreciation like never before,
How could I have ever asked for anything more?
May the words "THANK YOU"
   be written across my forehead throughout eternity
   because of the good life that has been given to me.

Personal note:   We celebrate the life of our good friend,
    and we celebrate the gift of knowing him
    with thankfulness and with peace.
Remembering the love and appreciation of life he showed-
    the inspiring and humorous stories of nature he told,
    with gratitude for what we've got-that was the lesson he taught.