Rays of Hope in Times of Loss

Natural Tears

Sometimes the sky

Reminds me to cry

When it's raining 

Pouring

Storming!

The sky is not inhibited

Its tears are allowed to fall

Freely

In complete trust of their natural

Cessation.

The rain pours down

Unconcerned

that it may be inconvenient

for others.

Falling

free

is

Beautiful

Bountiful

Hope's Glow

Significant loss can be raw and new. Grief also has a way of revisiting us on holidays or anniversaries. Either way, its force can be unexpected and overwhelming. It throws us off course, filling us with despair and emotional pain that feels unbearable.

Perhaps "Hope's Whisper" will help you move through this day.

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Where is hope when you’re in despair,

When grief engulfs you everywhere? 

 

Hope is in the light that filters down,

A dim ray at first, upon your frown.

 

Hope’s glow then shines into your heart,

And gently whispers, “Once more, start.”

 

It warms you from the inside out,

And in that warmth, you move through doubt.

 

Next thing you know, faith tiptoes in,

Beaming bright upon your long-lost grin.

 

Hope and faith shine together with Love,

To light your path from powers above.

 

Take heart as you move through this day, these hours.

Angel Mother

Grief never ends; it simply evolves over time. For most, its intensity eases as we learn new ways of navigating through our loss. Meanwhile, it can be very healing to have a keepsake item within easy view to remember good things.

My mother died two months ago. When I found a little angel dish, I bought it for one of my sisters. Then I realized I'd like to give it to all my siblings and all of Mom's grandchildren. I almost forgot to put myself on the list, but now I have one, too. Next thing I knew, I was writing this poem. It can be modified to fit the role or relationship for any loved one.

          Angel Mother

          My angel dish is beautiful and white;                   

          It helps me keep you forever in sight.

          I look at it, Mother, to think of you,

          And imagine your loving heavenly view.

 

          Your jewelry inside reminds me to smile

          When I think of your always classy style.

           I'm certain you must make heaven more bright,

           As you peacefully take each angelic flight.

   

          You showed us a spirit that was sweet and kind;

          And I hope that in me you will always find

          A touch of sweetness from your soul's sugar bowl,

          Sprinkling joy up to you in your heavenly role.

 

My mother was sweet most of all. So in the dish along with a small pair of her earrings, I placed a piece of her favorite hard candy. Together they remind me to focus on my gratitude for any sweetness that resides in me, which comes directly from her.

Seek what was good and gratitude will follow. It won't eliminate grief, but it will bring some relief during the difficult times.

 

Rituals

Dancing Petals

I brought some flowers to the beach;
To say good-bye, for the sea I reach.
The petals dancing in a wave
Are a happier vision than your grave.

We even chuckled you and I,
For on wet rocks I'm not so spry.
I slipped and stumbled and thought I'd fall,
But nothing could stop this special call.

One petal left kept dancing back,
Making sure I'm not out of whack!
Your spirit lingered there a bit,
And told me I am not to quit.

That petal, too, then washed away,
And swept peace through another day.

Loss of a Child

We lived, in part, just to see their smiles,
To lose ourselves in their needs and styles.
Their faces fill our hearts and special frames,
And they never let us forget to play some games.

Some joys they brought whizzed right on by;
Busy days vanished, tucked in with a sigh.
If they leave this earth before we do...
We'll leave it to God to help us through.

We may always feel some disbelief
That we are left with so much grief.
They would not want us to stop all play,
So with their spirit, we'll find a way!

Dance Discovery

I found some music that lifted my heart,
Then decided I’d try to give dancing a start.

No ballrooms or dance floors were needed for me,
Just free-floating movement to simply just be.

Reflections of Dad

He used to sing like Frank Sinatra
And laugh like Burl Ives
I remember when he’d come to visit
There was sparkle in his blue eyes
Dad loved our home town, Lincoln
And he cherished my grandma so
He’d travel quite a distance
Just to see us all on the go

Sometimes it was in the summer
And he’d take us to the fair
He spent a lot of quarters
Trying to win his girls a bear
But there was nothing this girl wanted
More than just to hold his hand
And walk and talk a little bit
Oh, yes. Now that was grand!

When he became a grandpa
He was proud as he could be
He’d often share reflections
Of the good mom he saw in me
His words could lift my spirit
Even though he was far away
They filled a special need inside
Flowing warmth like a sun ray

What do I cherish now, dear Dad,
When your voice no longer sings?
It’s simply peaceful gratitude
Floating in on your angel wings.

***

Rest in Peace, Dad. Love, Susie
1928 -2007

Faithful Courage

The path to courage is blazed by fear,

We can't have one unless the other's near.

With faithfulness, then, toward each we'll steer,

Embracing both and holding them dear.

Rays of Hope

We wonder if there's a ray of hope,

While fearing we can't possibly cope.

Lost in mourning, we're unsure what to seek,

But if we keep searching, sometimes braving a peek,

Two miracles will appear in a heartening blend,

One we'll find in nature, the other in a friend.