Jasper Ellison, a 60-year-resident of Arvada, was featured in the Feb. 3 edition of the Arvada Press in a “My Name Is...” article, which detailed his life story. Ellison passed away at the age of 103 on July 26 and wished for this piece of prose — written after the death of his wife Mary Grace Ellison — to be shared.
Do not weep for me when I die,
For I have lived in a land of liberty and justice.
I could live where I wanted,
I could choose my life’s work,
I could travel where and when I wanted,
I could elect the officials entrusted with government.
No, do not weep for me when I die,
For I have lived in a land of freedom and justice.
Weep instead for those who have not.
Do not weep for me when I die,
For I have had caring parents and grandparents,
Who provided guidance in my childhood
And started me on the right path in life.
I have known the love of a woman,
A companion, to share life’s pleasures and joys,
To endure and to solve life’s burdens together.
We have been blessed with children and grandchildren,
And great grandchildren, to the fifth generation.
I have taken selfie pride in their accomplishments
As though they were my own.
I know that a part of me lives on in them.
No, do not weep for me when I die,
For I have had a loving family.
Weep instead for those who have not.
Do not weep for me when I die,
For I have known the Great Architect of the Universe.
I have walked beside His streams.
I have climbed His mountains.
I have seen His plains, His forests,
And marveled at the grains and fruits and nuts
And other foods that He has provided.
I have enjoyed many years of life
Filled with beautiful days of sunshine,
And restful nights and life-sustaining rain.
No, do not weep for me when I die,
For I have known a powerful and benevolent God.
Weep instead for those who have not.
