Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy Quotes

“Not to be afraid.’ Lise came often to visit Lucette’s grave and sat by her as if they were still talking. ‘Do not be afraid.’ How often had Jesus had to say those words to his disciples as, in this little cemetery, Lise said them to Lucette. It was the old habit of reassuring, though Lucette, Lise was sure, was now far wiser than she. ‘Though earth closes over you or, even, as nowadays, you are burned to ashes and scattered, it is wonderful,’ whispered Lise. ‘Listen. Listen, there are a million tiny voices and movements, rustling, crumbling, disintegrating, disappearing, as you become one with creation. Your body will be earth, water, wind, stars.’ Lise knew that would happen to her too and it did not frighten her – she liked to think of it. Lucette herself was in God’s keeping; Lise was sure of that too. How? When? That did not matter. We are not meant to know. We can only try and live as if we knew.”
― Rumer Godden, Five for Sorrow, Ten for Joy