My journey’s just begun

Ellen Brenneman

Don’t think of me as gone away
my journey’s just begun,
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.

Just think of me as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.

Think how I must be wishing
that you could know today
how nothing but your sadness
can really go away.

And think of me as living
in the hearts of those I touched…
for nothing loved is ever lost
and I was loved so much.

This poem is often adapted to say ‘His’ or ‘Her’ journey’s just begun.

About This Poem

“My Journey’s Just Begun” is a much-loved funeral poem by Ellen Brenneman. This gentle poem on grieving presents death as a peaceful transition rather than an ending, with the speaker reassuring loved ones that their “journey’s just begun” and that they live on in the hearts of those they touched.

This short, comforting poem works well for many relationships – including a parent, grandparent, spouse, sibling or close friend – and is often adapted to “his” or “her” journey to make it more personal. Its warm, hopeful tone makes it suitable for both religious and secular funerals, celebrations of life and memorial services.

Because it is easy to read and remember, it can be a good choice for someone who is nervous about speaking, or for an older child or teenager. It fits well near the beginning of a service, or as a quiet moment of reflection after a tribute.

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