A Prayer When Saying Goodbye to a Dying Friend

A prayer for anyone saying goodbye to a dying friend.

How do I say goodbye

To someone so dear,

Whose friendship has been such a gift?

How do I find words

When my broken heart wants more time?

Elohei HaChayim (God of Life),

Thank You for

The laughter we shared,

The memories we made,

The moments, ordinary and extraordinary,

That became the story of our friendship.

Grant me courage to say what matters:

“I love you.

Thank you.

I will carry you with me always.”

“May you feel no pain,

May you feel no fear,

May you know you are surrounded by love.”

And Holy One,

Even here, through tears,

Receive my Shehecheyanu,

Not because I am grateful for this goodbye,

But because I am grateful for his life,

For our friendship,

And for one last chance to tell him I love him.

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haOlam, shehecheyanu v’kiy’manu v’higiyanu lazman hazeh.

Blessed are You, Eternal One, who has given us life, sustained us, and brought us to this moment.

Amen.