Dear friends,
It is with a very heavy heart that I write this.
My father in law, a grumpy old navy man to the core, has passed away.
What do you say in these situations? What can you make such a thing any less terrible?
‘They’ say time heals all wounds but, really, it only puts distance between you and the pain.
For now I think I’ll just share a poem.. not about the heartbreak in grief or the helplessness.. but of the hope that those we love are never truly gone.
This beautiful piece was published in December 1984 under the title “Immortality” by Clare Harner shortly after her brother’s death. It quickly became popular as a eulogy in states like Kansas and Missouri.. and appropriately so.
I hope that you, too, find some sort of peace in this.
“Immortality”
Do not stand
By my grave, and weep.
I am not there,
I do not sleep—
I am the thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints in snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle, autumn rain.
As you awake with morning’s hush,
I am the swift, up-flinging rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight,
I am the day transcending night.
Do not stand
By my grave, and cry—
I am not there,
I did not die.
I will be attempting to continue with my blog at the moment, it’s a helpful distraction, but if I fall behind.. I may need to take some time away.
Thank you all for the kind words and support you’ve given over the past few weeks, it means so much.
My heart and prayers go out to you and your families.
Stay safe, Be well, and God bless.
So sorry to hear about your loss. A lovely choice of poem – very comforting. Take care.
Thank you. Finding the right poem can be a wonderful reminder that we’re not alone in whatever we’re facing.
Be well. ❤
What a beautiful poem. I’m sorry for your family’s loss.
Much appreciated, thank you.. Loss never does get any easier.🌹
So sorry for your loss Sheri. Grumpy, or not, there is now a hole in your life that will take some navigating around. Take your time. Acknowledge your emotions. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. ❤
Thank you, Sandy.. it still just doesn’t feel real.
I am truly sorry for your lost dearest and true what exactly can be said, time doesn’t heal the pain it never does but all I can is pray for you and your family so you have the strength to carry on in life, one makes me feel a bit better is also knowing that now they are in heaven and they will still look at us from above though we can’t see them. Take care my friend, my prayers are with you always. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Your prayers and kind words are much appreciated.💕
It’s a comfort to know he’s no longer in pain.. but it does little to ease the ache of knowing you’ll never see them again. We’re just taking it one day at a time.
Thank you so much, hun, your health and happiness are also in my heart and prayers. Be well.🌹
Yes one day at a time indeed, you’re welcome dear and thank you as well. Be well and take good care of yourself. ❤️
I do try.. but reality and life have a way of making it seem harder to take care of yourself than it really should be.
Stay safe as well, hun.🌹
I am truly sorry for your loss and will be thinking of you. What a beautiful poem you shared today. Take your time and know that us fellow bloggers will be here if you ever need us x
Goodness, girl, you’re going to have me in tears. You’ve all been so kind and supportive.. it really does mean a lot. Thank you.❤️
Sorry to hear of your loss. May his memory be a blessing to the family.
Thank you. He will certainly never be forgotten. ❤️