THINKING OF THE GOOD TIMES
The Five Minute Friday word for this week is grief. I’ve thought a lot about that subject this month as it is an anniversary not only of my oldest son’s birth but also his death. It’s hard to believe a whole year has gone by since God took him home. Not a day passes that we don’t miss him, but thinking of the good times bring memories alive.
As I pondered the word a poem began to come to me. I thought about how grief and joy can be felt at the same time, as I wrote in Lament: Grief Mingled with Joy. Thinking of the good times with Stephen, like our trips to Maine, remind me of his joy as he caught his first fish.
Here is the poem which took seven minutes rather than five. It might be a rough draft, but it’s from my heart.
GRIEF AND MEMORIES OF GOOD TIMES
Sharing Thoughts of Grief Grief knows no favorites Often coming unannounced Dropping its burning coals Letting them fall wherever they may No one is exempt from its clutches Grief comes in many forms like Memories to open the tear ducts Letting them pour uncontrollably Grief is not something we like Yet there is healing, too, that Comes as we shed the tears Letting them share our emotions Grief is not pleasant but Necessary for our growth as We contemplate what we have lost Letting our hearts feel pain But in feeling the pain we Confront our emotions in order To acknowledge our grief in our loss Letting memories wash over us Grief keeps our memories alive Comfort comes as we pour out our Hearts to God, knowing He hears Letting His love wash over us Joy can exist with grief Memories of our loved ones Bring to mind good times past Letting sorrow mix with joy ~gsw~
I wrote more about grief a year ago shortly after we lost our son in Grief: Thoughts from a Mother’s Heart. Have you experienced grief? What are your thoughts about good memories and joy mixed with grief?
I’m linking up with: #FiveMinuteFriday, #InspireMeMonday
Love and prayers…
Thank you, dear Bette! Blessings to you! I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving in whatever way you are celebrating. Hugs!!
Such a beautiful, heartfelt poem. I can’t even imagine what it’s like to lose a child. There are no words. That’s not the way it’s supposed to be.
Thank you, Sandra. No, it’s not the way it’s supposed to be, but one day God will make all things new. And I have joy knowing he is not suffering and I will see him again. Blessings to you!
Heartbreakingly beautiful. Thank you
Thank you so much, Liz. Blessings to you!
Your words always touch my heart and soul. Sending you love and hugs.
Thank you, dear Melissa! Love and hugs back to you. Blessings! xo
This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your heart so openly. Praying continued healing to your heart and family. I’m your neighbor at FMF this week #35.
Hugs,
Miccah
Thank you so much, Miccah! I appreciate your prayers. Blessings to you!
Oh, Gayl. I have no words but these, for you…they come from the whole of my heart, with love.
I’m sorry for your loss, my friend,
and words seem cheap and vain
for the sorrow without end,
for the stabbing pain
that cuts the heart right clean in two,
that salts the open wound,
that hurts as nothing else can do,
and leaves the soul marooned
on a strange and lonely isle
that sails a shoreless sea,
only lit by wistful smile
and brighter certainty
you’ll see your lost again, one day,
when all old tears are washed away.
Andrew, thank you so much for your beautiful response. Yes, one day all the tears will be washed away. Blessings to you, dear brother! May God fill you with His peace and comfort.
Oh Dear Gayl,
What precious words and thoughts you have shared here. I am so thankful that God gave expression for you to share your heart in this poetry. My heart is so deeply moved. You are in my prayers so much this month, and I am sending you big hugs and love across the miles. xoxo
Dear Bettie, thank you for your precious comments. I appreciate your prayers and love so much. Love, hugs and blessings to you, my dear friend! xoxo
Gayl,
So glad you shared your beautiful poem. Yes, grief and joy can coexist. It’s not an either/or but a both/and. Thank you for the call to seek the joy in the midst of my grief.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Thank you, Bev! Yes, you are right. It’s not an either/or. God can help us find the joy even through our seasons of grief. Blessings to you!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Gayl. May the Holy Spirit continue to comfort you and bring you joyous memories.
Thank you, dear Anita. It is a hard time, but God is faithful. Blessings to you!
Dear Gayl, this poem is heartbreakingly beautiful, written with great feeling and sensitivity. You have perfectly depicted the strange conundrum of joy coexisting with grief, tempering it with soft reminders of Gods continuing goodness and grace. May you sense His loving arms around you, bringing you renewed comfort, hope and strength. Much love, gentle hugs and prayers. xoxo 💜
Dear Joy, thank you so much! I appreciate your kind and loving words, hugs, love and prayers. May God also fill you with His love and peace, strength and comfort! Much love to you, dear sister! xoxo
Dear Gayl, Thank you so very much for sharing your beautiful heartfelt poem. Prayers and hugs. Blessings to you.
Thank you, Paula! I appreciate the prayers and hugs! Blessings to you!