Dr. Jean Uelmen passed away in her home in Guatemala on Tuesday, March 8, 2005. She was 58 years old. This poem, written by Merrit Malloy, was chosen by Jean to serve as her memorial.

Epitaph

When I die
Give what’s left of me away
To children
And old men that wait to die
And if you need to cry
Cry for your brother
Walking the street beside you
And when you need me
Put your arms
Around anyone
And give them
What you need to give to me
I want to leave you something
Something better
Than words, Or sounds
Look for me
In the people I’ve known
Or loved
And if you cannot give me away
At least let me live on your eyes
And not on your mind
You can love me most
By letting hands touch hands
By letting
Bodies touch bodies
And by letting go
Of children
That need to be free
Love doesn’t die
People do
So, when all that’s left of me
Is love
Give me away

Donations may be sent in her name to the Open Windows Foundation, código 226-A. P.O. Box 669004, Miami Springs, Florida 33266 www.duenaschildren.com