Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull:

Indy: Brutal couple of years, huh, Charlie? [Part of the “Henry Jones theme” from the previous film plays as Indy looks at pictures of Marcus Brody and Henry Jones Senior] First Dad, then Marcus.

Dean Stanforth: We seem to have reached the age where life stops giving us things and starts taking them away.

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What I needed to hear when I learned my friend died

Charlotte…

“I hope things are … hum, what’s the word? Things are balancing out for you. Something like what you’ve just experienced will really affect you – and often your life. Gives you another perspective, another view of how precious, how very, very precious every single minute is.

Some people have often asked me why I’m smiling and seem happy all the time. It’s because I am so very grateful for all I have for as long as I may have it.

I hope for you, that out of the sadness you’ll find the gifts you have to give and you’ll enjoy every bit of all the good days ahead.

I’ll be thinking of you and wishing you the best in healing.”

Jeanne…

“Again, I am so so sorry. It is always tough to lose someone you care about so deeply, especially someone so young. Reminds us how fragile life is and how important it is to love the people around us – and let them know how much we care.

My sincere, heartfelt, sympathy to everyone concerned. I lost my brother when he was 33. It’s never easy. Hope that in the midst of your grief you are able to also remember the ways in which your friend touched your life and talk about how important he was and how his life made a difference.”

Cheryl…

“Pain is a motivator… What good can come from this?”

Grief changes shape, but it never ends…

In a 2006 interview, Reeves said “Grief changes shape, but it never ends… People have a misconception that you can deal with it and say, ‘It’s gone, and I’m better.’ They’re wrong. When the people you love are gone, you’re alone.”

Relationships never end…

Just because you don’t talk with someone anymore doesn’t mean that you aren’t in a relationship with them. You may (and probably will) think about them for the rest of your life. Because of that, you will be in some type of relationship with them forever.

When losing a son…

Cassie lost a son before it was born and talks about it extensively here.

It isn’t what you say that matters…

Just being with someone that is grieving is more than enough.

Writing and giving a eulogy is really hard…

I found these to be helpful: yourtribute.com, wikihow.com, railbirds.com.

The best thing you can do is to immediately join Toastmasters and practice what you are going to say.

At the end of the day, remember it isn’t about you. You are there for the people you are closest to the person who died.

What will you do with your dash?

The Dash Poem was read when my friend Paul died and always gives perspective.

Losing a dog…

I was given Merle’s Door when my dog Bailey died. Dave Holme’s wrote a great piece when he lost his dog.

Just keep swimming

At the end of the day, remember Dori from “Finding Nemo:”