Blessing for Leaving

Our friend ______ has left her body, has left it here for us to tend to and send on its final journey from this place.

This is a difficult moment.

Even though she has died and we know this must be done, still…

We don’t want to begin the work of releasing.

And we will, but first, let’s thank this home/hospital/care center

that has sheltered her in her last days, through the work of dying.

Thank you for holding _______ and bringing us here to be with her.

Thank you for your sheltering roof.

Thank you for the care she has been given.

Goodbye. Godspeed _______.