Thoughts and Poetry

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Central NJ</B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B><U>Memories</U></B></div> <div> There is a place</div> <div> That we call Memory -</div> <div> A province by itself - </div> <div> Which, though unseen,</div> <div> Is home and haven</div> <div> To the Heart.</div> <div> And there, </div> <div> In peace and beauty,</div> <div> Waiting are those with whom</div> <div> We shared our yesterdays.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Nancy Cassell</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - Holmdel, NJ</B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <B>Master of the Seas</B></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="599" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 496 WIDTH="595"><div> <B>I make the waters,I make the seas.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>No one can travel safely,except by praying through Me.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I chart the course,I AM the molder of clay.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I will not falter,so don’t  be dismayed.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I Am your Captain,plotting your course along the way.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Jesus stills the waters,the waves must obey.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>The seas will get rough,the clouds will grow dark. </B></div> <bR> <div> <B>You’re made of tough stuff,don’t crumble, be buffed.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I’ll hold out My Hand,with each great command.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Obey in the pinch,don’t covet, don’t flinch.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Let My faith that I give you,be your Comfort and Guide.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>As you conquer each moment,each incoming tide.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I have great blessings for you, most will not see.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>So steady the course,as I master with ease.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Steer and press through. Move above what you see.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Knowing I Am that I Am,is always with thee.</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>Written by: Theresa Wilson</B></div> <div> <B><U>http://www.meetingtheneeds.org</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</B></div> <bR> <div> <U>From Susan:</U></div> <bR> <div> I wanted to share this poem written by my friend this week on the death of her nephew:</div> <div>  </div> <div> Blessed Noah, </div> <div> God’s ambassador angel-- </div> <div> You touched so many </div> <div> So briefly, yet </div> <div> So strongly. </div> <div> The flutter of soft angel wings </div> <div> Swept you to Him, hushing your anticipated cry. </div> <div> Earth’s thorns shall never wound your alabaster feet. </div> <div> No rough scars of earthly work shall stain the palms of your tiny hands. </div> <div> Your Master gathers you to Himself </div> <div> In great joy </div> <div> Welcoming home </div> <div> His tiny innocent lamb </div> <div> Beautifully and eternally young. </div> <div> Arms of those who went before you </div> <div> Surround you with love, </div> <div> And keep you, </div> <div> Rocking in gentle peace </div> <div> And adoration. </div> <div> You are the rose that buds, </div> <div> But never opens </div> <div> Yet your unseen bloom </div> <div> Glorifies God in His radiant garden. </div> <div> ---Aunt Marilyn</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>It's Ok to Laugh</B></div> <div> Laughter is not a sign of "less" grief.</div> <div> Laughter is not a sign of "less" love.</div> <div> It's a sign that many of our thoughts and memories ae happy ones.</div> <div> It's a sign we know our dear ones would have us laugh.</div> <div> It's ok to laugh.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Patricia Lufty-Nevitt</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - Austin, TX</B></div> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div> <bR> <div> "I've seen what a good laugh can do. It can transform tears into</div> <div> hope."</div> <div> --Bob Hope</div> <bR> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><U>Goal</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Goal in life?  Mine is to get through one day.....whithout crying because of thinking of you.  Hey don't knock it!</div> <div> It's a good goal!</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ...manageable,............attainable,</div> <div> measureable.............. One day.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Donna Dawkins Shea</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - West Columbus</B></div> <div> <B>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</B></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="4" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="503" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 913 WIDTH="242"><div> <B><U>The Connection</U></B></div> <div> When I'm walking in the sunshine,</div> <div> I'm walking in our love.</div> <div> When I'm walking in the rain,</div> <div> Your tears fall from above.</div> <bR> <div> Your laughter is the bird</div> <div> in song outside my window.</div> <div> Your Spirit passes by.</div> <div> Each time I hear the wind blow.</div> <bR> <div> When I smell the blooming flower,</div> <div> Your fragrance lingers there.</div> <div> And in the waters of reflection,</div> <div> Your face is shining fair.</div> <bR> <div> You come to me in many ways,</div> <div> Each one different than before.</div> <div> In the rainbow shines your eyes.</div> <div> You whisper, I hear,</div> <div> As the waves brush the shore.</div> <bR> <div> You always find a way to reach me.</div> <div> Just when I'm missing you most.</div> <div> Making that connection</div> <div> When I'm feeling lost.</div> <bR> <div> Through our bond of love,</div> <div> This connection will always be</div> <div> A special part of you.</div> <div> And a special strength to me.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Jana K. Shell</B></div> <div> <B>TCF Annapolis, MD</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Memorial Candle Lighting</U></B></div> <div> The room is dark.</div> <div> One candle leaps into flame.</div> <div> A grieving father feeds another candle,</div> <div> another, another, another.</div> <div> A wave of flame sweeps the bllroom,</div> <div> slowly spreads light of grief,</div> <div> of hop, of love, of compassion.</div> <div> Healing fire nears me.</div> <div> A nourishing spring rain of gratitude</div> <div> moistens my eyes and cheeks.</div> <div> Compassionate Friends</div> <div> tremble with tears, soft sobs.</div> <div> Mine seems to be</div> <div> the last candle to catch the wave.</div> <div> A  toast.  A thousand voices echo:</div> <div> "To our children."</div> <div> I say, "Hugs all around,"</div> <div> encircle the circular table with 9our</div> <div> children's Beth hugs, strong, loving, and true.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Bill Bowen</B></div> <div> <B>TCF-Albuquerque, NM</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="242"><div> <B><U>The Shining Lights of Hanukkah</U></B></div> <div>      Hanukkah is a happy time.  It is one of the many Jewish holidays that are joyous occasions.  It is a time of singing melodious songs, eating potato latkes, spinning dreidels, sharing with family and friends and giving gifts.</div> <div>      Dring the eight days of Hanukkah, we light another candle on the Menorah to celebrate the miracle of the oil.  Next to opening his presents, Adam loved to pick out the different colored candles for the Menorah.</div> <div>      Now I wonder why Adam couldn't have had the miracle of his cancer being cured.  I wonder why my son, who died before his seventh birthday, could not have had a miracle of his own.  Why couldn't my child, as brave as any warrior, have defeated the odds, as the Maccabees had done?</div> <div>      In my heart I know that Adam was a miracle.  I shall always be grateful for the pleasure and privilege of being Adam's mom.  His spirit, sense of humor, courage, and everlasting effect on our lives are all tributes to my wonderful boy.  The miracle of his being here on earth, and knowing his love, are memories I shall always cherish.</div> <bR> <div> Adam will always be my shining light of Hanukkah.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Bonnie Spiegle</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - Lower Bucks County, PA</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Christmas</U></B></div> <div> Christmas, apart from others, at a </div> <div> Chinese restaurant...</div> <bR> <div> Kathy and I together, quiet and apart,</div> <div> against the advice of many friends,</div> <div> declining the invitations of a number of others....</div> <bR> <div> It was peaceful and felt right, and, if</div> <div> you believe like me that coincidence</div> <div> does not exist, then the words of my </div> <div> fortune cookie will speak also to you:</div> <bR> <div> Nature, time and patience are the three great physicians.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Don Hackett</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - Hingham, MA</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="4" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="503" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 600 WIDTH="242"><div> <B><U>Winter Promise</U></B></div> <div> The day slowly dissolved into dusk,</div> <div> Leaving behind the newness of the morning</div> <div> And the miracle of your birth.</div> <div> Though brief was the winter time that was left us,</div> <div> Your love will remain with me always.</div> <div> I gently kissed you one last time</div> <div> Before you went with the day</div> <div> To become a memory for me to hold </div> <div> When I can't hold you any other way.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Debbi Dickinson</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - Naperville, IL</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>November Again</U></B></div> <div>      Leaves are turning the shades of Autumn, then falling, one by one, to the misted ground below.</div> <div>      Summer floweres have faded and died.  The sun hides behind dark and dreary clouds.  It is November again.</div> <div>      Was it so long ago that this month brought warm thoughts of Thanksgiving together?  The smell of wood burning, walks in the nippy air?  This is the month you left us.  And all the warm glow of November went with you.</div> <div>      All that remains are the chrysanthemums planted in a special memorial garden for you.  They are ready to burst into beautiful shades of yellow and orange.  They symbolize one more year without you.  But our love has not diminished.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Pat Dodge</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - Sacramento, CA</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="242"><div> <B><U>At Thanksgiving</U></B></div> <div> Though you're filled with sorrow and pain over the loss of your child, you can be thankful for:</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">the memories you hold close</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">the time you shared with your child no matter how short it was</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">the things your child taught you</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">the friends that are there when you need them</div> <div> And you can be thankful too:</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">for the strength you have that makes you a survivor</div> <div> And also...</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">for the smiles of other children.</div> <div> They are not our missing children,</div> <div> no, but they still smile</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Author Unknown</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - Portland, OR</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Joy</U></B></div> <div> As we remember our children,</div> <div> may our Holidays remind us of </div> <div> the joy they brought into our lives.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Author Unknown</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Our Love</U></B></div> <div> We created you, With our love...</div> <div> We cared for you, With our love...</div> <div> We nurtured you, With our love....</div> <bR> <div> We honored you, With our love...</div> <div> We buried you, With our love...</div> <div> We remember you, With our love.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Alice & Otto Weening</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - Cincinnati, OH</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="4" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="553" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 1972 WIDTH="267"><div> <B><U>Love</U></B></div> <div> A million times we've missed you,</div> <div> a million times we've cried.</div> <div> If love could have saved you,</div> <div> You never would have died.</div> <bR> <div> Things we feel most deeply</div> <div> Are the hardest things to say.</div> <div> Our dearest one, we have loved you</div> <div> In a very special way.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Author Unknown</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Sometimes</U></B></div> <div> Sometimes love is for a moment.</div> <div> Sometimes love is for a lifetime.</div> <div> Sometimes a moment is a lifetime.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Pamela S. Adams</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - Winnipeg, Canada</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Another Teenage Suicide</U></B></div> <div> Dead at age eighteen,</div> <div> Slain by the gun in your hand.</div> <div> Suicide, the paper said,</div> <div> I can not understand.</div> <bR> <div> It just doesn't make sense.</div> <div> Why did you destroy</div> <div> All your chances for future </div> <div> Happiness and joy?</div> <bR> <div> Your picture in the newspaper</div> <div> Shows an average-looking teen.</div> <div> From the photo, no evidence </div> <div> Of what troubled you, can be seen.</div> <bR> <div> I can't imagine an event so</div> <div> horrendous, as to cause you to take </div> <div> your own life;</div> <div> And I mourn your passing, as I also</div> <div> mourn that in our society, suicide's so rife</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Rosemary Johns</B></div> <div> <B>TCF Chapter</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>To Sink or Swim</U></B></div> <div> 'To sink or swim' are not the only alternatives in life.  Many people survive by just FLOATING.  There wre many times after my son died that I did feel as though I wre sinking.  Below the waves of grief, I was just too exhausted to try and swim to the other side of that lake of pain.  It was at those times that I just simply FLOATED.  By floating, it may have taken me longer to reach the shore than it would have, if I had tried to swim.  Besides, the shore seemed so far away that I wouldn't have made it by swimming anyway.  But by just floating along with the current, I do not sink and the other side is getting closer all the time.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Verna Smith</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - Ft. Worth, TX</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Dreams and Wishes</U></B></div> <div> I dreamed of you last night, my son.</div> <div> It seemed you were still here,</div> <div> So when I awoke and realized,</div> <div> I brushed away a tear.</div> <bR> <div> At times I think I hear you,</div> <div> Calling out my name.</div> <div> Then I whisper, "I love you."</div> <div> And you whisper back the same.</div> <bR> <div> I wish that I could see you.</div> <div> If only just once more.</div> <div> That would help sustain me</div> <div> Until I reach the shore.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Tina McKim</B></div> <div> <B>TCT - Central Iowa Chapter</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>For Grandparents</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>How Blessed</B></div> <div> The first time that I held you,</div> <div> You frowned, as if to say,</div> <div> "Why am I here and how long must I stay?"</div> <div> Sometimes, you looked at nothing.</div> <div> Or so it seemed to us.</div> <div> But someone must have been there.</div> <div> Although we saw air and dust,</div> <div> Your heart still saw the spirits</div> <div> From whence you newly came</div> <div> To join us on this earth.</div> <div> For the body you must claim,</div> <div> As you grew and gave us joy.</div> <div> You filled our lives with laughter.</div> <div> Your earth-life soon became</div> <div> a growing, learning chapter.</div> <div> You experienced worldly things</div> <div> And strayed from heaven's door,</div> <div> But the consciousness of your spirit whispered,</div> <div> "Beyond this world there's more."</div> <div> So you listened to the spirit,</div> <div> And you were tught why you were</div> <div> here before He brought you to your home above.</div> <div> How blessed ourfamily was.</div> <div> What a privilege, what a joy!</div> <div> What such a dear, sweet spirit.</div> <div> For a while was our darling boy.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Daisy Manter</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - South Central KY</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="247897a0.gif" border=0 width="137" height="122" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="267"><div> <B><U>The Tears</U></B></div> <div> The tears streamed down,</div> <div> and I let them flow as freely as they</div> <div> would, making a pillow for my heart.</div> <bR> <div> On them I rested.  Thank you, Lord,</div> <div> for the healing gift of tears.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Augustine</B></div> <div> <B>"Confession" IX:12</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>July's Child</U></B></div> <div> The fireworks race toward Heaven, </div> <div> brilliant colors in the sky.  Their</div> <div> splendor ends in seconds on this </div> <div> evening sky.  Their splendor ends in seconds on thisevening in July.  "Her birthday is this</div> <div> Saturday." I whisper with a sigh.  She</div> <div> was born this month.  She loved this</div> <div> month and she chose this month to die.</div> <bR> <div> Like the bright and beautiful fireworks</div> <div> glowing briefy in the dark,  they are</div> <div> gone too soon, and so was she...having</div> <div> been, and left her mark.  A  glorious</div> <div> incandescent life, a catalyst, a spark,</div> <div> Her being gently lit my path and</div> <div> softened all things dark.</div> <bR> <div> The July birth, the July death of my</div> <div> happy summer child, marks a life too </div> <div> brief,  ' that without rancor, without guile. Like the fireworks that leave images on unprotected eyes, her lustrous life - engraved my heart - with love that never dies</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Sally Migliaccio</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - Babylon, NY</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Compassion</U></B></div> <div> Sympathy sees and says, "I'm sorry.:</div> <div> Compassion feels and whispers, "I will help."</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><U>There is a Place</U></B></div> <div> Beyond the rainbow's farthest end,</div> <div> There lays a land</div> <div> that's always filled</div> <div> with love and light.</div> <div> Where shadows never fall</div> <div> and dim the skies.</div> <div> For in this lovely land,</div> <div> there is no night.</div> <div> In this celestial place of joy and peace,</div> <div> there is no time or space.</div> <div> no doubt or fear.</div> <div> For those who come to it</div> <div> all troubles cease,</div> <div> all worldly difficulties disappear.</div> <div> And though that we would find them</div> <div> waiting there.</div> <div> In that celestial dwelling place above...</div> <div> The land of peace and joy.</div> <div> Of light and love.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Author Unknown</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Will We Ever be Happy Again?</U></B></div> <bR> <div> Will we ever be happy again?  Yes, but it will be a different kind of happiness, neither better nor worse, just different. </div> <div> Relax into it and see what happens.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Darcie Sims</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>The Dragonfly</U></B></div> <div> (What is it like to die?)</div> <div> Once, in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle in a community of water beetles.  They lived a simple and comfortable life in the pond with few disturbances and interruptions.</div> <bR> <div> Once in a while, sadness would come to the community, when one of their fellow beetles would climb the stem of a lily pad and never be seen again.</div> <div> They knew when this happened, their friend was dead, gone forever.</div> <bR> <div> Then, one day, one little water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb up that stem.  However, he was determined that he would not leave forever.  He would come back and tell his friends what he had found at the top.</div> <bR> <div> When he reached the top and climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad, he was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that he decided he must take a nap.  As he slept, his body changed, and when he woke up, he had turned into a beautiful blue-tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body desiged for flying.  So, fly he did!  And, as he soared, he saw the beauty of a whole new world and a far superior way of life he had never known existed.  </div> <div> Then he remembered his beetle friends, and how they were thinking by now he was dead.  He wanted to go back to tell them, and explain to them that he was now more alive than he had ever been before.  His life had been fulfilled rather than ended.</div> <bR> <div> But, his new body would not go down into the water.  He could not get back to tell his friends the good news.  Then he understoood that their time would come, when they, too, would know what he now knew.  So, he raised his wings and flew off into his joyous new life!</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Author Unknow</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - Seacoast NH Chapter</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> Louise, who is suffering the loss of her beloved aunt Enid Curtiss<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" > </FONT>sent us these messages and poems from the UK:</div> <bR> <div> During my recent sad loss, I felt the following poem helped a lot. I hope that you find some solace in it also.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> DEATH is nothing at all.</div> <div> I have only slipped away to the next room.</div> <div> I am me and you are you, whatever we were to each</div> <div> other we are that still.</div> <bR> <div> Call me by my old familiar name.</div> <div> Speak to me in the easy way, which you always used.</div> <div> Put no difference into your tone.</div> <div> Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.</div> <div> Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.</div> <bR> <div> Play, smile, think of me, and pray for me.</div> <div> Let my name be ever a household word that it always was.</div> <div> Let it be spoken without effort, without the ghost of a shadow in it.</div> <div> Life means more than it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was.</div> <div> There is absolute unbroken continuity...</div> <bR> <div> Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight?</div> <div> I am but waiting for you, for an interval somewhere,</div> <div> very near, just around the corner.</div> <bR> <div> All is well.</div> <bR> <div> Henry Scott Holland 1847-1918</div> <bR> <div> As for the next poem, spookily, my family and I found it handwritten by my late Nan alongside many beautiful photos and cuttings and drawings from all the grandchildren that she had kept (a really lovely find!!):</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <U>Remember Me</U></div> <bR> <div> Remember me in the darkness of the night</div> <div> As I remember you.</div> <div> Hold my face between your gentle hands,</div> <div> As I used to do.</div> <div> Don't let the memory of me die</div> <div> Let our love live and lie</div> <div> Next to your heart</div> <div> As you know I long to do.</div> <bR> <div> Anon.</div> <bR> <div> Warm wishes to you all,</div> <bR> <div> Hope everyone is keeping well,</div> <bR> <div> Louise xxx</div> <div> ------------------------------</div> <div> enidcurtismemoriam@yahoogroups.co.uk</div> <bR> <div> Subj: <B>A Poem </B></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >From: </FONT><U>AhkenhatenII</U> </div> <div> To: <U>LouiseLaidlaw</U> </div> <bR> <div> I wrote some poetry to cover a loss. I found some old women photocopying them in our local library. If this poem is of any use to you or yours then feel free to share it.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Solace.</B></div> <bR> <div> Call them not back, whose time on earth is done.</div> <div> Their day is over and their battle won.</div> <div> Call them not back lest you should see again</div> <div> their agony and unrelenting pain.</div> <bR> <div> Cry, if you will, a gentle, healing tear,</div> <div> to filter through the membranes of your heart</div> <div> till memory, washed crystal clear,</div> <div> will take you back to better, happier days</div> <div> when eyes were bright, and lips were quick to praise,</div> <div> the family and friends they loved so much,</div> <div> the things they liked to see, and taste, and touch.</div> <bR> <div> Call them not back to see once more that face,</div> <div> or Selfish Self implore one last embrace.</div> <div> Their feet no longer stumble for they find</div> <div> Attachment to a stronger, firmer limb,</div> <div> and boldly stride from star to star</div> <div> with Him.</div> <bR> <div> Call them not back, for they have passed their test,</div> <div> and, sleeping peaceful,</div> <div> have deserved their rest.</div> <bR> <div> Hugz, Tom</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="4" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="513" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 435 WIDTH="247"><div> <B><U>About Being Strong</U></B></div> <div> Many people are convinced that strong and brave means trying to think and talk about "something else."</div> <bR> <div> But we know that being strong and brave means thinking and talking about your dead love, until your grief begins to be bearable.</div> <bR> <div> That is strength,</div> <div> That is courage.</div> <bR> <div> And only thus can being strong and brave help you to heal.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Sascha</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>The Tears</U></B></div> <div> The tears streamed down,</div> <div> and I let them flow as freely as they would,</div> <div> making a pillow for my heart.</div> <bR> <div> On them I rested.  </div> <div> Thank you Lord, </div> <div> for the healing gift of tears.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Augustine</B></div> <div> <B>"Confession" IX:12</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="247"><div> <B><U>Grief</U></B></div> <div> When a storm of grief grows in the heart; reach back to yesterday to catch onto your memories.</div> <bR> <div> The storm will calm and, for a brief moment, the lost feeling of happiness will shine through and through.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Lori Pollard</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - Montgomery, AL</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="23d32320.jpg" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Love</U></B></div> <div> A million times we've missed you,</div> <div> a million times we've cried.</div> <div> If love could have saved you,</div> <div> You never would have died.</div> <bR> <div> Things we feel most deeply</div> <div> Are the hardest things to say.</div> <div> Our dearest one,</div> <div> We have loved you in a very special way.</div> <div> <B>Author Unknown</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="5" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="529" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 799 WIDTH="165"><div> <B><U>Mothers Day Without You</U></B></div> <div> Even in the fleeting time that the two of us were three, You taught us of the purest form of love that there can be - of a mother for her baby, for the new life that she bore, for the miracle love created.</div> <div> How could anyone ask for more?  Short-lived was my chance at motherhood, because you could not stay.  I would give almost anything to see you smile today.</div> <div>               <B>Sharon S. O'Keefe</B></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><U>Memory</U></B></div> <div> Memory is a form of immortality.  Those you remember never die.  They continue to walk and talk with you.  </div> <div> Their influence is with you always.</div> <div>               Wilford A. Peterson</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><U>Promises of Rainbows</U></B></div> <div> I promise not to offer rainbows after storms, or silver linings beyond the clouds.  But if you have tears of sorrow, I will share them</div> <bR> <div> If you have words of anger, I will hear them.  If you have moments of confusion, I will help you through them.</div> <bR> <div> Perhaps your tears of sorrow today will water the seeds of tomorrow's garden of spiritual growth, of worthy priorities, of loving relationships, of genuine understanding and of compassion.  My sad friend, your weeping is not fruitless.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Nancy, TCF-Central Jersey,NJ</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="165"><div> <B><U>Grief at Easter</U></B></div> <div> Take time to grieve.</div> <div> Take time for the memories of other Easters.  Take time to mourn what might have been.  Indulge yourself in the beauty of an Easter lily.  Don't be afraid if at first there seems more pain than comfort in the age-old words and the beautiful music of Easter.  And never be ashamed of your tears.  One day, you too, will say, "It is finished."</div> <div>    To walk through grief is not easy.  When the shock and numbness have gone, we are left with reality, the reality that life includes pain and loss.  Easter is a season of many feelings...a time of pain and loss.  It is also a time of rebirth and of real personal growth.  So, also, are the Seasons of Grief.</div> <div>                         TCF-Boise, ID</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> What we have enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="22a32320.jpg" border=0 width="50" height="50" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="165"><div> <B><U>Please Remember Andy</U></B></div> <div> When the jitters come</div> <div> On graduation day, </div> <div> When the sun burns bright</div> <div> In the glorious month of May,</div> <div> When the tassels hang</div> <div> And gowns gently sway,</div> <div> PLEASE REMEMBER ANDY</div> <div> When you walk across the stage,</div> <div> And the crowd is all a rage,</div> <div> When joyous tears begin to fall,</div> <div> And you think you've conquered all,</div> <div> And you tell your school good-bye,</div> <div> PLEASE REMEMBER ANDY</div> <div> When later in the day</div> <div> You and your friends go out to play,</div> <div> When the music blasts all night,</div> <div> When you're drunk beyond a doubt,</div> <div> Don't take your car keys out,</div> <div> Wheter you drink a little or a lot.</div> <div> Accidents happen more often than not.</div> <div> PLEASE REMEMBER ANDY</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Author unknown</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id15.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="The Minneapolis Chapter"><U><IMG SRC="1c77c500.gif" border=0 width="124" height="80" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> Archives from winter, 2002</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="529" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 1031 WIDTH="171"><div> <B><U> <A NAME="winter_2002"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></U></B><B><U>A Winter Thought</U></B></div> <div> As snow covers the earth with its whiteness and coldness, so grief has covered our hearts and taken away the brightness and warmth of our hopes and dreams.  As the snow protects the earth from too much cold, so our grief insulates us from feeling too much too soon.</div> <bR> <div> We are only part way through the winter of our grief, each of us at a different place in our journey.  For some of us, the snow has begun to melt, our grief has begun to ebb a little, so that we can feel some warmth, see some color, hear some music returning to our hearts and homes.  We remember our loved ones, our losses, and the changes that have come unbidden as we make our way through Winter, steadfastly toward Spring.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Mary A. Miller</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - Lindstrom, MN</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>A New Year is for Hope</U></B></div> <div> It has a different number.  Days have gone by.  We've accumulated more time between ourselves and our child's death.  We may have rearranged our perspective - have different ideas about what is most important and what hardly matters.</div> <bR> <div> In this new year, we know that there will be ups & downs; some good moments and some bad.</div> <div> And if we take just one moment, just one hour, just one step at a time - TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE IT.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Joan Schmidt</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - Central Jersey </B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="171"><div> <B><U>January One</U></B></div> <div> New Year</div> <div> new life</div> <div> new hope</div> <div> new expectations</div> <div> new beginnings</div> <bR> <div> Old Times</div> <div> old fears</div> <div> old places</div> <div> old disappointments</div> <div> old dead ends</div> <bR> <div> I am aware of my resistance to change.</div> <div> I am aware of what reality is and how life goes on.</div> <bR> <div> Birthdays</div> <div> Death Days</div> <div> Celebrations</div> <div> Anniversaries</div> <bR> <div> Seeking a new future as the haunting past returns.</div> <div> I AM ME!</div> <div> Change is possible and difficult, but inevitable. I</div> <div> LIVE ON NOW.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Cindy Bouman</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>New Years Wish</U></B></div> <div> I wish you gentle days</div> <div>           and quiet nights.</div> <div> I wish you memories</div> <div>            to keep you strong.</div> <div> I wish you time to smile</div> <div>            and time for song...</div> <bR> <div> And then I wish you friends</div> <div>              to give you love,</div> <div> when you are hurt and lost</div> <div>              and life is blind.</div> <div> I wish you friends and love and</div> <div> peace of mind.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Sascha</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1a89e9b0.gif" border=0 width="158" height="155" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="171"><div> <B><U>Winter Memories</U></B></div> <div> The days are getting colder,</div> <div> and the first snow is not far off.</div> <div> It used to be so pretty</div> <div> gently falling from aloft.</div> <bR> <div> But the snow won't be as pretty,</div> <div> as it gathers on the ground.</div> <div> 'Cause there will be a snowman missing.</div> <div> My son is not around.</div> <bR> <div> The playing children's laughter used to ba a special song.</div> <div> But this year will be different</div> <div> Without my son along.</div> <bR> <div> The song has lost its music, and it'll be just another day,</div> <div> As I gaze down from my window and watch the children play.</div> <bR> <div> But the snow will again be pretty in a far off distant time.</div> <div> And we'll build snowmen together, and we'll never look behind.</div> <bR> <div> For now I'll remain with memories, </div> <div> but the melting snow will fade,</div> <div> and he builds snowmen to his heart's content,</div> <div> 'Cause he lives where snow is made.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Jeremiah Sundown</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - Nashville, TN</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1aa838e0.gif" border=0 width="131" height="142" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="4" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="529" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 1108 WIDTH="167"><div> <B><U>The Promise</U></B></div> <div> Of angel wings and</div> <div> heavenly things</div> <div> There's very little</div> <div> known,</div> <div> For those who have</div> <div> the answers</div> <div> Are, forever, from us gone.</div> <bR> <div> Life in the hereafter,</div> <div> In faith, I must accept;</div> <div> Thoughts that trouble not the people</div> <div> With families still intact.</div> <bR> <div> But, those of us, who've traveled </div> <div> Down the lonely path of grief,</div> <div> Are forever seeking answers</div> <div> To the riddle which is life.</div> <bR> <div> We trek through shadowed forests</div> <div> Past the ugly shroud of death,</div> <div> Toward a promise for the future</div> <div> Of a kinder, better place.</div> <bR> <div> So we look to see the angel wings</div> <div> And listen for the hymn,</div> <div> That God will send to guide us</div> <div> When we leave to be with him.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Diane Robertson</B></div> <div> <B>TCF - Colorado Springs</B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="1aea5470.png" border=0 width="165" height="71" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="167"><div> <B><U>Someone Who'll Watch Over Me</U></B></div> <div> I remember how I used to watch over you.  I can remember the things I would say, as I tried to guide you along the way.</div> <bR> <div> But since you've gone, and our lives have changed, it seems the roles have been rearranged.  Sometimes it feels like it used to be - only you're the one watching over me.</div> <bR> <div> I know in my mind that you're not here; yet there are times when you feel so near.  I've learned if I let the love flow through, I'll get to keep a part of you.</div> <bR> <div> For though death comes - the love never goes away.  Your presence is with me every day.  For my guardian angel you now will be, and you're the someone who'll watch over me.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Carolyn Bryan</B></div> <div> <B>TCT - Orange Park, FL</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B><U>Another Teenage Suicide</U></B></div> <div> Dead at age eighteen,</div> <div> Slain by the gun in your hand.</div> <div> Suicide, the paper said.</div> <div> I can not understand.</div> <bR> <div> It just doesn't make sense.</div> <div> Why did you destroy</div> <div> All your chances for future</div> <div> Happiness and joy?</div> <bR> <div> Your picture in the newspaper </div> <div> Shows an average-looking teen.</div> <div> From the phono, no evidence</div> <div> Of what troubled you, can be seen.</div> <bR> <div> I can't imagine an event so horrendous, as to cause you to take your own life;</div> <div> And I mourn your passing, as I also mourn that in our society suicide's so rife.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Rosemary Johns</B></div> <div> <B>TCF Chapter</B></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="167"><div> <B><U>Roses on the Snow</U></B></div> <div> What is the point of laying eight yellow roses on the February snow?</div> <bR> <div> What was the point with seven of them last year?  And when there were six the year before?</div> <bR> <div> What about the others back to the very first two dropped on the snow six years ago?</div> <bR> <div> What's the point in leaving rosebuds to freeze and turn brown atop the wintry glaze sealing her grave?</div> <bR> <div> The bushy arms of a stern cedar overhead can't protect them.</div> <bR> <div> The fall of a soft hill only funnels winter's icy winds more cruelly across such fragile flowers.</div> <bR> <div> And despite warm promises from daylight's westerly sun,</div> <div> Nightfall's mortal chill always gets its way.</div> <bR> <div> Why indeed keep an annual birthdate with the florist just to abandon a handful of teardrop roses on the February snow?</div> <bR> <div> Because while the trees will fail, and the hills and sun alike, a father's tears care forever.  And like roses on the snow, they die only in form, never in Spirit.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>Gary Grant</B></div> <div> <B>TCF -Piedmont, VA</B></div> <bR> <bR> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="the_following_is_archived_from_the_2002"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>archived from Fall:</div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="4" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="529" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 966 WIDTH="167"><div> <B><U>Grief</U></B></div> <div> I have been trying to make the best of grief and am just beginning to learn to allow it to make the best of me.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><U>Memories</U></B></div> <div> Time cannot steal the treasures that we carry in our hearts,</div> <div> Nor ever dim the shining thoughts </div> <div> Our cherished past imparts..</div> <bR> <div> And memories of the ones we've loved </div> <div> Still cast their gentle glow,</div> <div> To grace our days and light our paths,</div> <div> Wherever we may go.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><U>Memorial Candles</U></B></div> <div> These candles burning each December, symbols of those we remember, bring forth tears which freely flow and mingle with the candles glow.</div> <bR> <div> But thoughts of each dear girl and boy, those who no more may bring us joy, now cause our hearts to fill with pain as we assemble here again.</div> <bR> <div> Though tears still come in times ahead, to gratitude we must be led.  That for a while we held our child, and sometimes cried but often smiled.</div> <bR> <div> May every candle lit tonight bring back into the memory's sight, the joys we knew, mixed with the tears from our dear children though the years.</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="15f2f3c0.gif" border=0 width="47" height="60" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="167"><div> <B><U>Autumn</U></B></div> <div> In the fall</div> <div> When amber leaves are shed,</div> <div> softly, silently,</div> <div> Like tears that wait to flow,</div> <div> I watch and grieve.</div> <bR> <div> My heart beats sadly</div> <div> In the fall, tis' then I miss you</div> <div> Most of all.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B><U>Inner Tempest Stilled</U></B></div> <div> Sometimes I sense a little flutter.</div> <div> Like a shadow swiftly slipping by.</div> <div> Or hear a silent, gentle murmur, </div> <div> Like a soft whisper from the sky.</div> <bR> <div> Sometimes, I hear you call my name,</div> <div> Or clearly see your face before me.</div> <div> And I feel that your are with me still.</div> <div> Then peacefully...I come to know.</div> <bR> <div> As I am thinking happy thoughts of you,</div> <div> You, my son, are thinking of me too.</div> <div> Loving memories fill my aching heart.</div> <div> As dreaming dreams of what could be.</div> <bR> <div> Or might have been, if your were here.</div> <div> Until the piercing pain of losing you</div> <div> Comes tumbling down on trembling fear.</div> <div> And clearly one again I hear you say,</div> <bR> <div> "But Mom...</div> <div> What if I had never been.</div> <div> You could not then, in</div> <div> LOVE, remember me.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="167"><div> <B><U>Thanks</U></B></div> <div> Thanks to the friend who knows the right words to say, "There is a group in town that might help you."</div> <div> Thanks to the parent who somehow found the courage to call that phone number and find out about that group.</div> <div> Thanks to the mother who went to that first meeting knowing it would really hurt to talk - and talked.</div> <div> Thanks to the dad, who said after the first meeting that he could never come back - but he did.</div> <div> Thanks to the parent who, at the fifth meeting, put her arms around a "new one" and said:  "They really can help."</div> <div> Thanks to the mom who, for the first time, was again able to bake cookies - for her "compassionate friends."</div> <div> Thanks to the homemaker who could never talk in front of people - who became a facilitator.</div> <div> Thanks to the six-foot-tall father who cried in front of the other men - and didn't say he was sorry.</div> <div> Because of you, we will be able to help someone we don't even know - next month.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="1618e900.gif" border=0 width="142" height="144" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <A HREF="#winter_2002" TITLE="Thoughts and Poetry"><U>beginning of fall, winter archives</U></A></div> <div> <B>*From The Compassionate Friends </B><A HREF="tcf_newsletter.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Newsletter for the Minneapolis TCF."><U><B>Minneapolis Chapter Newsletter</B></U></A><B> Those who contributed here have been attributed in our "hardcopy" TCF Newsletter.</B></div> <div> <I><B>*Click </B></I><A HREF="id44.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Sibling Page"><U><I><B>Here</B></I></U></A><I><B> for poetry on the "Sibling Page"</B></I></div> <div>  <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Minneapolis Chapter of The Compassionate"><U>home</U></A></div> </td> </tr></table></body>