I held my dad's hand during his final, peaceful breaths on 17 July 2002. Later, still in deep silence, I lit a candle and recited this poem. Now I light a candle for Bill, and offer this poem to you Ann, Julie, Sean, & family: Flight to Freedom by Rabindranath Tagore My love, my heart, Let this time of parting be sweet. Let it not be a death, but completeness. Let your love melt into memory And your pain into songs. Let your flight through the sky Begin with the unfolding of wings. Let the last touch of your hands Be gentle like the flower of the night. Stand still oh beautiful Love, for a moment And say your last words in silence. I bow to you and hold up my candle To give light on your flight to freedom.