Grief touches all of us. It may be because of a death of a loved one, a loss of a job or tragic life events beyond our control. Grieving hurts and heals. As you read through this section, if you have something you would like to add, please send it here. By sharing, you can help others through their grief.

Dedicated to my friend: Duncan MacPherson
(February 3, 1966 ­ August 9, 1989)

D.U.N.C.A.N.2.0.

The people that know me well know that I love cycling and train most days for four hours. My personal record time was finally achieved at 57 minutes in the 42.5km time trial on July 24th, 2009. For a month in my training I had placed white tape on each of my four fingers, on both hands. Each piece of tape has a letter, spelling D.U.N.C.A.N.2.0.
This is a tribute to my friend Duncan MacPherson. On Aug 9th, 2009 it was twenty years since his passing on.

Duncan's parents lived across the street from my grandparents. As kids, from time to time, we would play. In our early twenties as young adults we would start hanging out again. He too loved cycling and in his off-season from playing professional hockey would cycle as part of his conditioning. Both of us would often train together.

Duncan had a passion for excellence in everything he did, particularly in his sport of choice. Hockey. He was drafted by the N.Y. Islanders in the first round in 1984. He loved a challenge. He loved trying something new. He gave his best to each day.

I learned so much from him during those summers. The commitment. The level of training one needed to do. He made me appreciate every new day in a way I hadn't before. The bike frame that I use today is the same one I used then. Sure, the one's now are one-third the weight and far superior. But this frame has a history and in part I use it to remember his life.

Since his death, some people have remarked how sad it was that he was just twenty-three when he died. But the way I look at it Duncan was alot like the "morning glory" flower. Morning glories, if you look closely at them, will show you how extraordinary they are both in colour and texture. And that in their center, is a kind of golden light that shines from within. At the end of the day they turn a most beautiful shade of lavender and then close up, wither, and die. They live for only one day and then they are gone.

You see, it doesn't matter how long your life is. It only matters that you were here in all your glory, and that you opened up completely and let your light shine. And that you brought joy to those who came into contact with you. That's what matters to the morning glory, and that's what should really matter to all of us.

Aug 2nd, 1989 was the last day I saw my friend Duncan. His last words were: "Miles, I don't know when I'll see you again."

I remember his face and those words as if it were yesterday. So, I place the white tape and the letters to give thanks for all his glory. For his extraordinary life. To keep challenging myself and others as he did.

For more on the life of Duncan MacPherson, click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncan_MacPherson

Copyright © 2009, 2010 Miles Patrick Yohnke
All Rights Reserved.
Widely recognized and award-nominated engineer, producer, writer, poet and founder and C.E.O. of 5 Star Productions, Miles Patrick Yohnke brings many years of experience to the music industry; including many awards in sales and marketing. If you are looking at developing your career, Yohnke offers consulting in person, by phone or via email. For more info, please contact him directly at: 306.227.6379 or email at: miles@5-starproductions.com

January 25th was the 5th anniversary of my mother's passing. I submit this poem in her memory.

If roses grow in Heaven, Lord
Please pick a bunch for me.
Place them in my Mother's arms
And tell her they're from me.

Tell her I love her and miss her,
And when she turns to smile,
Place a kiss upon her cheek
And hold her for a while.

Because remembering her is easy,
I do it everyday,
But there is an ache within my heart
That will never go away.

Author Unknown
Submitted by Janet Cuthbert --- New Jersey
I would love to be able to give her roses in person. I'm so glad I was good to her while she was here on earth. I have no regrets. Be good to those you love while they are with you. Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one.

"Oh Death! I'm not afraid of you. Me and you have the same Creator and He has placed me above you."

Written in 2010 by Erwin Paulus --- Namibia
Came up with this thought when my Grandma told me that I survived meningitis when I was eight.

The first time I experienced the deep pain of losing someone through death I was just thirteen. I had been rummaging through my parents old box of keepsakes when I came across a death certificate that bared my own last name.

I just sat there staring at the piece of paper in my hand. I already knew my parents had lost a baby. I knew he was their first-born son. I knew he was only three months old. I knew many of the details, but there was something I had missed.

Staring at his death certificate, he became alive to me for the first time. He became my brother. I cried that day for the loss of a would be big brother I never knew. I cried again years later after having my own children. This time I cried for my mother. It wasn’t until then that I understood how much she loved her son.

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast, and have no compassion on the child she has born? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Isaiah 49:15-16a

Can a mother forget?

It has been almost fifty years since my mother lost her precious infant son. She hasn’t forgotten one tiny fold of his skin. His picture still sits on her nightstand next to where she lays her head each night. He engraved her heart the day he was born. Can she forget? No, never.

Do you ever wonder if God has forgotten you? He says even if a mother forgets, He will not forget you. God is reminding you today; He remembers you yesterday and won’t forget you tomorrow.

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Isaiah 49:16a

Copyright © 2008 Theresa Gober
Though I can't imagine or pretend to know what the loss of a child begins to feel like, I do know how much I love my own children. I wrote about my experience with loss first through the eyes of a sister and then through the eyes of my mother. It is a short story that started when I was just 13. It took many years to complete such a short story, but some things take a little longer to understand. I dedicate this to my mother, who knows what it is to suffer great loss.

"If things did not shine for you today, always remember...tomorrow will be another day and the Sun will shine again."

Written in 2005 by Fe Florimon --- New York

"There's no kind of pain you're currently going through that God can't heal. Healing might take time, but it'll surely come."

Written in 2010 by Stanley Anukege --- Nigeria

"Some situations come to you in life to make you strong, not to make you isolated."

Written in 2010 by Stanley Anukege --- Nigeria
It's been my determination to mingle again after the loss of my sister.

In January 2006 my boyfriend’s (now husband) Mum died quite suddenly with subarachnoid haemorrhage. This is a poem I wrote to him, in her memory. I wrote it on the 29th January 2006 - 3 days after her death.

I am here now,
I have made my final journey
No need for you to shed a tear.
I know that you are hurting deeply,
But do not fear, Jesus is here with me.

I understand that for you, it was all so very sudden
I understand that none of this feels right.
By all means cry, but when all your tears have fallen
Remember happy times of us together, you and I.

Speak to me as always you have spoken
Think fondly upon memories we shared
Time will heal, but please do not forget me
I'll be waiting, here with Jesus,
For the time to come when we will meet again.

Copyright © 2006 Karen Nisbet
I live in Bolton, England and have written a lot of amateur poetry - mainly through years of suffering with M.E. My faith was always the one constant and what kept me going through the dark times.

I lost my Great-Grandma in Sept 2003, my Great-Grandpa in Sept 2004, my Grandma in July 2006, my Nana in May 2009, and a very close friend who was like an "Uncle" to me in Dec 2009. They meant the world to me and being so young, it hurt me more to have lost these loved ones.

They were all sick for quite some time but they all were still cheerful and happy. I only got to say good-bye to one of them before they had passed on.

When my "Uncle" passed away, I was with him the day before. It just kills me because I was on my way out to see him again and we drove right past where he had crashed and we didnt even notice that there was a hole in the fence or the gash in the tree.

I love all of you guys: Tutu, Big Papa, Grandma, Nana, and Chris aka Bro. You are all still very close to me and miss you all so dearly. Here is a quote that I am about to get tattooed on my side, and then 5 stars, one for each person.

"Perhaps they are not stars, but openings in the Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."

Author Unknown
Submitted by Written by Ashley F., Age 18 --- California
I selected this one because they are all in heaven looking down at me and my family. I know they are still around and I know that they are no longer sick, or in pain. Also I was going to get it tattooed on my side is because I know even though they are in heaven, they are still by my side.

Well I lost my friend, Skylin. Oh man, he was so great to me and I really miss him.

I miss you and your beautiful smile
And you should know you're worth my while
You went away so soon
You released like a balloon

You were like a open book
But only finished the first chapter
Life is like a car
But once you run outta gas
Things happen and the days pass and pass

Written in 2010 by Written by A.S., Age 14

"When we realize that we are thought to be just a worthless person to someone special, tears and pain become our companion."

Written in 2010 by Marliana
I had just been through such an experience and it's really heartbreaking.

"Physically you may be far away but the love and kindness you showered on us reminds us of your presence every moment, every day! Miss you a Lot."

Arsiha
Submitted by Arpit Singh --- India
I miss my Father a lot.

My wife of 34 yrs passed away last August. It has been a big blow to me especially at this Christmas season. I wouldn't be able to make it without the love and support of my good friends and family. I visited your website a few days back and it brought great comfort to me so I wanted to return the favor. I've written poems for my wife in the past but I felt that I owed her just one more and I thought I would share it with you.

Follow Me

I had this bright light in my life.
It was my best friend, it was my wife.
Her light was brighter than all the stars,
It made the world glow from afar.

But now it's gone from you and me
Because the Lord said "Follow Me"

She had the warmest hugs and smile
She'd go the distance, go the mile.
But now that's gone, the rooms grown cold.
I feel so tired, I feel so old.

The smiles and hugs are gone from me.
Because the Lord said "Follow Me."

Now there's a big void in my heart.
The tears do flow, I'm torn apart.
The pain is real it hurts so bad.
I suffer now for I am sad.

The tears do flow for all to see
Because the Lord said "Follow Me."

Will my heart mend? I do not know.
How quickly will the pain let go?
Will the light shine brightly ever again?
Will I feel the warmth spread from within?

I feel these things will come to me
Because the Lord said "Follow Me."

Copyright © 2009 David Nilles

To My Dad, who lost his life in the Line of Duty in 2006.
He was a Firefighter for 21 Years

Rest In Peace, Fallen Firefighter, Allan Michael Roberts
Baltimore City Fire Dept., Engine 27, Truck 26, Local 734

Daddy’s Last Flame

Whenever there was fear in someone's eyes
You'd drop everything you were doing
You'd be there in a hurry, to make sure no one died
No matter how big, you always kept going

You knew the dangers, for you'd thought about them many times
But you didn't care, this was your dream, all you knew
So whenever you had doubts, you'd look to the sky
To guide you as you did what you knew you had to do

I thought you'd return, every time you left home
You promised me that, and you've never broken one before
So I couldn't believe you left me in this world alone
I couldn't believe I would see you no more

I knew you'd been hurt real bad
You couldn't handle the heat and so to the ground you fell
When the top floor fell, it trapped you Dad
You knew you needed help and they knew it as well

I hate to think about your air mask falling off and your skin that burned
Your brothers were looking for you but they were taking too long
Just for a miracle, you prayed and yearned
But by the time that they found you, you were already gone

The man I saw laying there, still and cold
Dressed in his best uniform, hat neatly placed
The burns on your face were proof,
And yet the truth remains untold.

It kills me to think the fear you must have faced
I still question every detail.
No one's story makes sense
What happened that day?
I really need to know
The way you lost your life and all that suspense
You died a hero, but you still had so much to show

I don't know what to think, as your casket's being lowered
I hear amazing grace and the pastor praise your name
But I just cannot accept
That you've put out your last flame.

Copyright © 2010 Kaitlyn Roberts
When my dad died in 2006, it tore my world to shreds. He'll never hear me sing, which is my dream in life. Rest in peace Daddy & all the other Fallen Heroes.

" Forgotten... It's not that you've forgotten no, it only goes to show that his memory is moving from your heart into your soul; there to be a shining light to guide you on your way, leaving room inside your heart that love might live again."

Written in 2008 by Susan Jaycox --- Illinois
I wrote this for my sister to help her cope with her husband's death.

I am a mother of three children. I had to bury two of my children at very young ages, within two years of each other. My pain is deep, but I found what keeps me going is faith. To know that I provided two beautiful precious angels to god and that the day I cross thru heavens gates my life will be changed. The pain that I carry will be gone and the hugs and kisses that I long for will be everlasting. So every tear that you shed missing them remember that tear represents the hugs and kisses you will rejoice with them.

Written in 2009 by Bernadette Woods --- Alabama
I wrote this from heart to give grieving parents like myself hope.

If tears could build a stairway,
And memories a lane,
I'd walk right up to Heaven
And bring you home again.

Author Unknown
Submitted by M.M., Age 13 --- United Kingdom
My Best friend died when she was 11 in a car crash. I picked this because it is on her grave.

On Monday December 21, 2009 it was a normal day. I went to school at 7:50am and got out at 3:01pm. I always go to my Mem's house after school (Mem is grandmother in French).

I came to her door and unlocked it. She wasn't sitting in her chair watching Judge Judy like she did everyday. I looked back in her room and saw her sleeping. I started to walk back but I didn't hear her snoring. I proceeded to approach her and take her pulse.

My heart dropped, I didn't know what to do. She raised me my whole life and I felt as if the weight of the world was about to push me through the floor. I cried till I couldn't cry any more but then I realized something.

She wouldn't want me to sulk about what happened. She would want me to continue and think of all the good times we had together. I was lucky enough to spend her last month with her and I thank god for that opportunity. I just wish she would come back tomorrow for Christmas. I miss her so much.

Written in 2009 by Chris Lemay
I chose to send this because things can happen at anytime and that you should cherish every moment with your elders. And if you get into fights with your parents or family members, always keep in the back of your head that they could disappear in a heartbeat.

"It's better to cry than to be angry. Anger hurts others, while tears flow silently through the soul and cleanse the heart."

Author Unknown
Submitted by Hina Shehzad --- United Arab Emirates

The Unsung Hero

You are the favored protagonist in the novels I've read
One part villainous, two parts fragile and mysterious – an enigma.
Yours is a journey thousand years in the making
Looking for love in many places but your own
Sail away where you wish to go

I have heard the different names you wrote,
Saw you garbed with your colorful clothes
Silently witnessed the many times you bleed,
Soberly helpless to take cover
Cry if you must and don't conceal your tears

Happy endings are meant for princesses
But for you gypsy eyed nymph, I pray you comfort.
The night is stale and stark
The wind is harsh on your face
Yours are emotions stirred like roaring gales

Parasol, you are a an unassuming powerhouse
Untouched and undefiled
Your mind is a labyrinth unmarked by foreigners...
Come home and be at peace with yourself
The day is too long for you to answer all your queries.

Tonight, revel in the dreams you had when you were young.
Succumb to the womb of the earth
Raise your hands in prayer
And be at the mercy of the gods
They might grant your longings all at once.

Tomorrow, love as if you never knew hurt and hatred
Never look back on yesterday
Brave the great unknown
Walk straight to what they thought of as the clandestine path
I'll be seeing you there... till then...I'll be with you!

Copyright © 2010 Czarina Ortz --- Philippines
For Mere, my strength and my inspiration.

"God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but he did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way."

Author Unknown
Submitted by Shreya G., Age 14 --- India
So true! We do have a lot of sorrows in life but the positive part is that along with that, god has given each one of us our very own inner strengths.

"Some day you will read in the papers that MaryAnn Murphy, of Crownsville, is dead. Don't you believe a word of it! At that moment she shall be more alive than I am now, she shall have gone up higher, that is all; out of this old clay tenement into a house that is immortal - a body that death cannot touch; that sin cannot taint; a body fashioned like His glorious body. She was born of the flesh in 1941, she was born of the Spirit in 2010. That which is born of the flesh may die, that which is born of the Spirit will live forever."

DL Moody (1841)
Submitted by John Murphy --- Maryland
I was presented with this quote and changed it just a bit after losing my mom this past Saturday morning. Grief is a natural emotion, God allowed us to have it to understand how he feels when he not only lost his only son, but when he loses each one of us when we take him out of our lives. Have faith and know that God has a plan for each of us, we cannot wonder why? Mom I miss you but your in the greatest place of all now...P.S. Tell God thank you for me for giving you to me for the last 6 weeks... I love you!

"Death is the beginning of an exciting journey to a wonderful new place. By being sad about losing a loved one is actually an act of selfishness for not wanting to lose them. Really one should be happy, for their loved one is going to an infinitely better place."

Author Unknown
Submitted by Tomara Elisha --- Australia
This really helped ease the fears I have around losing a loved one; not that I fear death itself but rather the pain and sorrow of never seeing them again. This brought me a lot of comfort and helped me get past a deeply routed fear which was crippling for me. I hope it may help others and change their perspective as it did mine.

Here's a poem that has comforted me in the sudden loss of my husband.

He is Gone

You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared,
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on,
You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what he would want:
Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.

Author Unknown
Submitted by Dorothy M. --- North Carolina

My First Christmas In Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like heavens stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can't compare
With the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description, to hear the angles sing.

I know how much you miss me; I see the pain in your heart,
But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear.
And be glad I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious then pure gold,
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as my father said to do.
For I can't count the blessings or love he has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

Written in 1997 by Ben
Submitted by Vicki Slater --- Idaho
My brother, my best friend, died September 17th 2009 and I miss him so much. Being that close to Christmas, the funeral chapel had invited us to a service for people that had lost a love one within the past 3 months, to comfort those of us that are dealing with the loss at such a family oriented occasion. They read this poem out loud and I just lost it. The poem was written by a young boy, 13 years of age, to comfort his mother. He knew he was dying and would be gone by Christmas. I want to share it with all.

This is a poem I wrote for my grieving girlfriend who lost her brother. I felt so bad for her and felt so helpless; I needed to show her how much I loved her.

Furtherance

I heard you had a broken heart,
Torn beyond repair,
I'd love to try, but where to start?
To rid you of despair.
I wish I could bring him back to you,
Your brother in your arms,
I wish I could turn back time for you
And protect him from future harm.
I do have a spool of thread made of love,
That I could use to mend your heart,
It comes from a special place made of love
Your place in my heart.
So I will simply continue to do what I do
Protect you from harm,
With all my heart I'll keep loving you,
Holding you forever in my arms...

Copyright © 2010 Michael Craig Rizzo
Michael lives in Australia and is an amateur poet michaelcrizzo@yahoo.com.au