HELPING THROUGH THE GRIEF - Page 35
"He that conceals his grief finds no remedy for it."
Turkish Proverb
December 14, 2005
"Only those who have known so great a love can feel so deep a sorrow."
Author Unknown
Submitted by Robert S. --- United Kingdom
December 14, 2005
January 11th
I woke up thinking that this was going to be just another day. Boy was I wrong. My grandpa was in the hospital because he was sick. No big deal, he'll get better - he always did. We were visiting him, about to go home and come back tomorrow. About nine that night everything was about to change.
Sitting next to him, holding his hand so tight not ever wanting to let go, I realized something I never wanted to realize; I was losing him. Every time I looked at him, I saw pain. I didn't want my grandpa to be in pain anymore but I wasn't ready for him to leave me. So I held tighter, thinking that he couldn't leave me if I kept holding on to him. Suddenly, while sitting there with him, I felt relief around me. I looked up and knew I lost him.
I cried for days, not knowing how to live. I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, and couldn't do anything. We were so close and God do I miss him everyday.
I was always told that pain would heal with time but every time I had a moment that I want to share with him, I couldn't. I look around and I can't find him. I still cry when I think of him and the Holidays don't help.
It has been two years this past January and I'm missing and hurting just as much as the day I lost him. I'm trying to go on with my daily life but something will happen to remind me of him and I fall apart and have to start all over trying to get over my grandpa's death.
Sometimes I can go a while without thinking about how he is gone then some little thing will pop out at me and I just stop and have to take a second to try to keep myself from shattering into a million pieces like I did that one day long ago.
I want him to always know that I love him and I'm missing him everyday and nothing would or could ever change that. You are my hero and the man I have always and will always admire. I will keep on smiling because I would hate the world to be a dark place, since you always said that my smile could light the whole world. I will remember the things you told me and think about how everything always happens for a reason.... even though I don't understand why you were taken away from me.
Maybe some day I will understand, but for right now: Grandpa, I am just missing you.
Written in 2005 by Jenny T., Age 19 --- Illinois
December 14, 2005
"God will either lighten your load or strengthen your back."
Author Unknown
Submitted by Lenny Leclercq --- Indiana
December 14, 2005
Dear Josie, the toughest broad we have ever known
The determined radical with a purity of spirit and a gentle soul
Dearest Josie- a loving mother to many, sister, daughter, aunt
A friend to all
And especially a devoted wife to David
You who inspired the weary, guided the lost
Nurtured and healed the wounded hearts and broken spirits
With your infinite love
Dearest Josie, modest and unassuming,
Compassionate and quietly encouraging
You have taught us all; the very essence of humanity
Your accomplishments are endless, your gifts infinite
You died your death as you lived your life
On your own terms, always guided by your inner truth
Though your earthly eyes can no longer see
Nor you earthly eyes can no longer comfort us
Your spirit remains eternal- continuously present
To nurture us, comfort us, motivate us
And occasionally kick a little ass
It has been a precious gift and a true honor
To have shared this time on earth with you
The lessons you have taught will remain with us always
We will try to live our lives by your example
And continue to strive to live as fully as you did
Until we meet again, we honour you
We hold you tenderly in our hearts
Take pity on us when we falter
Send strength when we are weak
Watch over all of us who were left behind
Go with God
Until we meet again
Dear Josie, so long, but never goodbye
Written in 2005 by Peggy Jenkinson
We lost Josie on July 27, 2005 after a grueling battle with glioblastoma. She was one of a kind and we miss her.
December 14, 2005
"Always give it your best each and every play, and every game....you never know which one will be your last. Hold onto your dreams, believe in yourself, practice hard, work hard, and play ball."
My Grandfather
Submitted by Andrew Howard --- Maryland
When my grandfather passed away, I promised him I would always carry him with me...the last two things he said to me as I we finally shut off the lights for the last time were these. I have brought these with me everywhere and will never forget him.
December 14, 2005
"Life is a glass, so fragile yet so beautiful. Take care of it and it shines, misuse it and it breaks."
Author Unknown
Submitted by Samuel C., Age 16 --- Singapore
December 14, 2005
"A thousand words cannot bring you back, I know because I've tried. A thousand tears cannot bring you back I know because I've cried!"
Author Unknown
Submitted by Ashley R., Age 15 --- Ohio
December 14, 2005
"A smile heals the wounding of a frown."
Author Unknown
Submitted by C.F., Age 16 --- Scotland, United Kingdom
I heard this from a friend after losing my grandmother. I thought it might be helpful to those who read this as it was to me.
December 14, 2005
I have no idea who wrote this poem, but my dad knew it by heart, and from hearing him recite it so many times, so do I. It was truly the way he lived his entire life, all 96 years, even after he had his stroke on August 10, 2004. It gives me some sense of comfort to remember these words as in my mind I can hear him recite them.
My dad died on January 2, 2005, after 4 1/2 months of battling a debilitating stroke that left him paralyzed on his right side. Through it all, he never lost his positive outlook--we call him "our eternal optimist".
If you fail to hit a home run in this puzzling game of life,
And the battle seems so uncertain as to battle against the strife.
When you're blue and sort of lonely, and you don't know where to steer,
Find some true companion to help drive away your fear.
Just remember, there are other people riding in a hearse,
Who'd love to have your chances, conditions might be worse.
Author Unknown
Submitted by Shari Wood --- Ohio
December 14, 2005
"When the storms of life come to unravel your foundation, take refuge in the center of God's will."
Written in 2005 by R. Mayberry --- Ohio
December 14, 2005
"Death is not the end, but a glorious new beginning."
William J. Shapley
Submitted by Carolyn Nicholls --- United Kingdom
This is one of my Father's sayings on death to me. It has so much meaning with such a wonderful thought that death need not be feared so much as we move on in our life cycle to greater depths.
December 14, 2005
When I was a boy, my best friend lived next door, was five days older than I, and we did everything together. When we were 17, he got into cars, and I into motorcycles. I used to do what I could to tell him that cars sucked, and bikes ruled. He got a bike at 20, and at 20 years and 6 months he was killed on the bike. I had not experienced anything like it before, and for the first three years there was not a day that passed without him being in my mind.
Then one day I had a dream. It was like no other dream because the memory of it did not fade on waking. Even now I remember it as if it was something that happened.
In the dream, my friend appeared in my house, and he told me he knew I had been worrying about him, and he had come to show me what he was doing. We moved to go down the stairs together and immediately we were somewhere aloft, over a vast landscape. In the distance there was a magnificent golden city, too bright to make out any real detail.
We approached it and got down to ground level, and moved slowly along a road. On either side were fields, and there was no traffic. Instead, the road was filled with a line of people of all ages, slowly making their way to the same destination. Even though little children were playing and hanging onto the adults' legs, none of the latter were annoyed. On the contrary, everyone looked very content indeed, with everyone talking to everyone else.
As we moved along the road we came to a small hump back bridge. I could not see beyond it. My friend told me this was as far as I could come and that I should not worry about him any more. He went over the bridge and disappeared from my view and I woke up. From that day, I never grieved for him any more but joyfully reflected on the insight I had received in that special dream.
Written in 2005 by Adrian Melia --- United Kingdom
December 14, 2005
"Patience is the remedy for every suffering."
Author Unknown
Submitted by Jith B. --- India
December 14, 2005
"It does not matter how deep you fall, what matters is how high you bounce back."
Author Unknown
Submitted by Sreekanth Garikapati --- India
I was told this by my college Principal when I was going through a though time in life because of my father's death. I was over burdened with my entire family's responsibility and I am very grateful to my Principal, Mr. Mahesh Kumar, for his help.
December 14, 2005
You gave me life, put your love in my heart,
Now God's cut it to short, and it's time for us to part.
With my memories few, each one I bless,
I'll keep you in my dreams, where you can let your love rest.
Each day I'll confide to you, how I feel inside,
I'll try to make you proud, mom, while I try not to cry.
With my head to my knees, and flowers to my chest,
I lay them down slowly, on the grave in which you rest.
Author Unknown
Submitted by Lauren K., Age 15 --- Michigan
I just thought this was the perfect poem for my situation. July 10th, 2005 my mom passed away at only 47 years old leaving my brother and me to my father. God rest her beautiful soul.
December 14, 2005
"Although we will never want to believe this, we are better off with guardian angels to guide us through life, all of our journeys, and to let us be sure that we're never alone, no matter what."
Written in 2005 by K.C., Age 18 --- NL, Canada
December 14, 2005
"When you think that all is over for you because you have lost someone who is special to you...someone who is closer to you every moment...someone who is there to share your thoughts...someone who helps you up when you are down... then I am here to tell you that it's not over until you give it up. And even when you give it up, God still has plans for you. So take heart and be strong for it shall happen live and colored."
Written in 2005 by Zakiyu Iddris Tandunayir --- Ghana
I wrote this in the memory of 4 of our future leaders, who just passed away in an accident that occurred at Nima gutter, the members of Black Survivors Youth Club and our mom, Auntie Murgana.
December 14, 2005
"Two broken people can't fix each other."
Written in 2005 by Amrita B., Age 17 --- New York
I said this to a friend while we were both mourning the loss of a dear friend. She wanted my help but I needed help myself and those were the words that came out when she asked for it. Looking back, I feel kind of bad, but if I agreed, I doubt I would have been of any REAL help.
December 14, 2005
SONG OF A CYPRESS
as daylight fades into darkness
and the shadows close around
may the brightest star in heaven
shine down on me from afar
her heart in sweet surrender
to the ocean of night;
left in deep slumber
in the crevices of time
a sad distant song comes linger
fallen embers of the past;
an amber moon looms over;
gentle caress upon tired eyes
the faint song of the cypress
sends shivers to my soul
in this crest of darkness
may I dance above it all
Written in 2004 by Ireene R. Capulong
Grief is a very long journey. It feels like a rushing current that keeps sucking you underneath the raging waters. I'd lost my little sister a long time ago; a time when I was too young to understand how to process grief. Until one day, when someone had made me realize that empty spot in me... ungrieved pain. Then everything just fell into its place... I've met people who have helped me reparent that child in me who was suffering silently for that loss.
December 14, 2005
"The cherish memories of yesterday are sometimes the best guard from the pains tomorrow may bring."
Copyright © 2005 Amanda Lizaire
Void of words to write on a holiday card to my best friend who told me the sad news facing her sister with glioblastoma brain cancer, I thought of these words above.
December 14, 2005
HOW MUCH I'VE MISSED YOU
How much have I missed you?
A whole lot.
Not one day has passed
When I don't think about your face.
It hurts so much
To know you're not near.
Just the thought of knowing
I can never see you again
Kills me within.
Where have you gone?
Will I see you again?
I love you so much
I can't stand the feeling
Of never seeing you again.
How much have I missed you?
A whole lot.
Every time I think about your death
I feel lonely and sad.
Every time I'm alone
I weep and deny the grave I see
With your written name on the side
I know you're gone
But I can't accept the fact
That you're not coming back.
I hope at least you know
I miss you a whole lot.
Not one day has passed
When I don't think about you.
But I wish I could turn back time
And hold you tight.
I love you, brother
And remember,
You'll never be forgotten
When my heart only thinks about you
And the one day we spent together
Which was the first and the last.
I actually hoped to spent more time with you
But I guess God made other plans
For all of us that have missed you.
Please tell me I will see you again.
I need my brother
I need your advice
I need your friendship
But mostly I need to see you alive
Written in 2005 by Cindy C., Age 16 --- California
I wrote this poem myself to express what I was feeling when my brother died. I just hope it can help someone like it did to me. It's a horrible feeling losing someone you love but I know that my brother wouldn't want me to remember him on how he died, but how he shared his life with his family. I miss him still today but I know that soon, I'll see him again.
December 14, 2005
She was a beautiful jewel that God wanted to keep. Please know that she'll be with you in your dreams. Up in the white, fluffy, castle clouds smiling and playing as she is looking down. It feels like there's no reason, it all seems so unfair. You ask God why? Why couldn't she be here? He has a reason for wanting to keep her you may never understand. But she'll always be with you, holding your hand. She was a beautiful jewel that God wanted to keep. She'll be with you ALWAYS in your dreams.
Written in 2005 by Jaimie Eshleman
This is for a friend of mine who lost her baby 5 days before she was due. The doctors don't know what happened, but she was absolutely beautiful. I pray that she will make herself known to her mother, father, and family so they can start to recover from her loss... we'll miss you Jordyn!
December 14, 2005
My aunt and uncle passed away on October 12, 2005 at separate hospitals- My aunt had heart surgery on Sept. 29, 2005. My uncle had a stroke on Sept. 28, 2005 while playing golf. Because they were in two separate hospitals my uncle was not able to see my aunt before he died. On the morning of the 12th my uncle passed and my aunt followed. They were meant to be together forever. They had a double funeral- wore the outfits they wore for their 50th anniversary in July 2005- they were buried on Sweetest Day TOGETHER! They wouldn't have had it any other way. Prayers for my three cousins they left behind.
Written in 2005 by Sandi Nucci --- Michigan
December 14, 2005
IN LOVING MEMORY
CONNIE WAYNE TART JR.- AKA: 'TIZZLE'
10-07-05
How crazy could this be?
You were only nineteen.
At first I didn't believe it was true
How could it happen to you?
I drove by the scene and saw the marks
Suddenly my world went dark
I still didn't think it could be you
So we went and saw your car too
Then reality hit,
It really was you
Saturday night we went to the wake
Why couldn't this be fake?
Sunday came
It was time for the funeral
As the preacher spoke,
And the songs played
Tears streamed down everyone's face,
Then they rolled you away
And that's when I realized
You were going to another place.
We gathered around the gravesite
And said goodbyes,
We miss you dawg,
You were too young to die!
Written in 2005 by Ashley Overfield --- North Carolina
December 14, 2005
When my brother died six years ago one of my very good friends, who already lost a family member in death, told me the following:
"When someone dies, it is God's day of picking flowers from His garden for the Heavenly Flower arrangement. And on this day, He saw that my brother was the most beautiful one in the garden and decided to pick Him for the arrangement. We all have to die; it is the way of life. We can choose to not accept it, and risk the chance of forsaking those loved ones because they do want us to remember the good times, the times we laughed and cried together and wait for the day that we will be chosen for the Heavenly Flower arrangement."
Author Unknown
Submitted by Natalia Visagie --- South Africa
December 14, 2005
"Today is today; you're going to do your normal daily stuff. But what about tomorrow? Put everything in the past, because tomorrow is a new today."
Written in 2005 by Kyra G., Age 15 --- Oregon
This is dedicated to my cousin Paula who died. It tells me that tomorrow was never promised and I have to take things as they come.
December 14, 2005
MOTHER
Mother, it's been six years since you left;
things haven't been the same since.
Mother, if you could've held on a little longer
I don't know if I make sense.
Mother, we still have and remember
your sense of humor and laughter.
Mother, we will never forget your smiles,
tears and little jokes after.
Mother, once you left us,
everything started to fall apart.
Mother, you were one mind,
you were one body and one heart.
Mother, you shared your things, knowledge,
wisdom, and love.
Mother, you were very kind
and gentle like a dove.
Mother, we keep and cherish every moment
we had with you.
Mother, remember us,
keep us in your songs and prayers too.
Mother, there is no one like you
and no one to take your place.
Mother, we remember your touch, smell,
eyes and your face.
Mother, you had patience, respect
and you were always very clever.
Mother, we shall once again be with you
and live with you forever.
Written in 2005 by Johnny Spence --- Canada
December 14, 2005
ACCEPTANCE
Accepting loss is to recover from loss. As you continue to recover from loss, an invisible scar will form on your heart and may occasionally ache. You may not know when this will happen, but you have the skills to cope when these difficult times come. Lossis inevitable. Accepting loss is a choice you make as part of your recovery. Understand that recovery will be a back and forth process like the ebb and flow of the tide. As the waves continue to crash upon the shore, you will hold your head high, meet the challenges of your losses and accept them. For acceptance and recovery has made you a much stronger swimmer.
Copyright © 2001 Holly Faunce
Created as a part of my recovery from losing both my parents in 2000 and 2001.
December 14, 2005
REST IN PEACE
ELIZABETH BISLAND
9-27-92 to 8-10-04
On August 10th, 2004, an 11-year-old girl in my hometown died. We were in school together since we were little, girl scouts, basketball and softball too. She was so beautiful and innocent. She drowned. She was playing a game in the pool. When she went to get out of the pool, she fainted. When you fall back, you take a big breath of air. Well hers wasn't air, it was water and she instantly drowned She is dearly missed and loved by everyone.
Name Withheld, Age 13 --- New York
I love and miss you a lot Elizabeth; you too, Danny.
December 14, 2005
"To meet and depart is way of life; depart and meet is hope of life."
Author Unknown
Submitted by Hemlata Paranjape --- India
December 14, 2005
"With the death of every friend I love . . . a part of me has been buried . . . but their contribution to my being of happiness, strength, and understanding remains to sustain me in an altered world."
Helen Keller
October 5, 2005
"There's no love like a mother's love."
Author Unknown
Submitted by Thandi Hlatshwayo --- Mbabane, Swaziland
After losing one brother in 1997, I told my self that at least I stillhad both parents. Then I lost my dad in 1998. Although it was difficult for me and myother brothers to come into terms with the loss, we still survived. Then in June 2004,I was told that my mom had Hepatitis B and there was no cure for it since it was in anadvanced stage. I never gave up on her.
In August, she was bedridden and I stayed at thehospital looking after her, hoping and praying for a miracle, since the doctors had toldme that there was nothing they could do for her anymore. I never gave up until she was ina coma and succumbed to death on the 29 November 2004. I was alone in the ward and Iwatched her die peacefully. I also did the funeral arrangements and everything and amnow am looking after the younger ones.
My whole life changed completely after losing mymom. I have cried a million times, tears dry but I feel that I still have more to cry.I just cannot live with the fact that she is gone. All in all there is no love like amother's love, her place will never be replaced.
October 5, 2005
"When someone you love is gone & you think they will be forgotten, remember allthe good times you had, pass them on & cherish them forever."
Written in 2005 by LeAnne V., Age 13 --- Mississippi
I recently had a good friend whose only parent (her dad) died & Iwas trying to think of something to give her.
October 5, 2005
WALK IN MY SHOES
Must have...positive attitude,
And must be...strong,
And must not...fall apart,
Always look on the...bright side,
The grass is not...greener,
Must make the best of what I...have,
No matter what...happens,
I must always...remember,
That love is not broken.
Written in 2005 by Julia R., Age 16 --- NSW, Australia
I wrote this when my mother was very ill with breast cancer. She'spassed on since and I often have to resort to this poem to keep myself going.
October 5, 2005
"Cry your heart out, let it all go, because after every tear comes a rainbow."
Author Unknown
Submitted by A.E., Age 15 --- Michigan
October 5, 2005
"As sadness casts its shadow today, may the light of memories stay with you througheach tomorrow."
Author Unknown
"A coward dies a thousand deaths; a hero dies but once."
Author Unknown
Submitted by Andrew K., Age 15 --- United Kingdom
When I lost a friend of mine I found these two quotes. They've helpedme overcome the loss. Just thinking of these quotes reminds me of what a greatperson he was.
October 5, 2005
They say memories are golden
Well maybe that is true
I never wanted memories
I only wanted you
A million times I've needed you
A million times I've cried
If love alone could've saved you
You would've never died
In life I loved you dearly
In death I love you still
In my heart I hold a place
No one could ever fill
If tears could build a staircase
And heartache make a lane
I'd walk the path to heaven
And bring you back again
The family chain is broken
And nothing seems the same
But as God calls us one by one
The chain will link again
Author Unknown
Submitted by U.R., Age 15 --- Michigan
This is in memory of my aunt. Thank you Ashley G.
October 5, 2005
"Turn to the sun and you can't see the shadow. If there are clouds, it's just alittle more foggy. Look again and it will always be there. What are you seekingthe sun or the shadow?"
Michaelynn Thompson (My Mom)
When I had a bad day, my mom use to tell this to me so I would look to the positive side.If I still couldn't see, I had to name 3 good things that happened that day. Once mymom died, I always thought of this quote. I hope it helps others like it did me.
As I grew up, my mother and I were best friends. It was always just she and I.We talked about everything. I'll never forget the day I found her face down inthe hospital bed. It was a cold rainy February 13th night. We had gone to the hospitalbecause she was having back pains and vomiting. I had skipped school to be with her.
I remember when we were in the hall, before they took her in, she looked at me and said,"You know I love you Kenzey". I said, "I know mom, I love you too".
I hugged her and she gave me a kiss. Little did I know that was the last time I'd hearher ever say that. I remember before they did the scan, before we knew what was going on,we were laughing and making fun of some magazine that was in the room. They took her toget a scan and I said I was going to take a nap. When they came back, she took a nap too.
I remember waking up 3 hours later and looking at her. She was face down in her pillow.Her nails were blue and she was getting cold. I didn't know what was going on so I wentto the front desk. They ran down there and told me to go get help. I did.
They told me she wasn't breathing. I had never felt so desperate. I felt my world slippingaway. All the good times flashed before me as I walked out of the room, looking back atthe blue light above the door and the doctors rushing around her.
I remember calling my bishop and my best friend. They both came up to the hospital justin time to hear the doctor say that they were sorry because they couldn't resuscitate her.
My bishop gave me a blessing while I was holding my best friend's hand. I knew while he wassaying the blessing that everything would be okay in the long run. I knew this was just atrial that I would have to get through and people were looking to me to be strong.
I remember as I looked at her in the casket, she looked so peaceful. I knew she was sad tohave left me. I also knew she would always be with me, no matter what. I know she watchesme from heaven and guides me constantly.
At the funeral my favorite cousin took me on a walk. He held my hand and told me that heloved me. He said I was the strongest person he knew. He showed me the tattoo my mom tookhim to get when he was 17. He had put her name across the top and when she was born anddied.
My mom died just before I turned 14, now I'm 15. I think about her all the time. Justseeing the pictures of her and I when I was little let's me know that everything is okayand I can be with her again one day - because families are forever. I know they are.I know she's happy and there was a job she had to do that no one else could do.I know I'll be with her again and I know she's always with me.
I just forget sometimes.
I love her dearly and I can still feel her presence. I know that she lives in me when I dogood and even when I do bad. I know she's a part of me and I'm so thankful.
We all come to earth to live learn and love but everyone has to eventually leave. It wasjust her time. Mine will come too one day. Then we will be reunited in the gloriouspresence of the Lord. I can hardly wait.
Written in 2005 by Kenzey Thompson
October 5, 2005
My son who valiantly flies the sky
Will leave the earth at dawn to fly and kill again.
The neighbors say that he will get a shining cross to wear.
They talk as if eleven lives weren't cross enough to bear.
Author Unknown
Submitted by D. Kapp --- Pennsylvania
I don't know who the author of the poem is. I memorized it for schoolover 30 years ago. It is as relevant now as it was for me during the "Viet Nam" era.
October 5, 2005
YOU WAITED FOR ME TO GET HOME
You said you didn't call the ambulance.
You wanted to be home when I got there.
I didn't try to write to you.
I knew you'd be home.
I had the most awesome holiday.
I'm glad I told you about it
On the way to the hospital.
The E.D. staff teased me
Because I was nearly asleep 23 hours.
Flying will do that.
I was so tired.
But you seemed ok when I left you.
Everything was fine,
So I didn't come to see you the next day.
And the hospital phoned and said you were fine.
You would be home mid week
I sorted my work gear for the next day
I phoned Mark and was told you were in hospital but ok
I don't know why I didn't phone you
Then that night,
While I was talking to Mark on the phone,
My cell phone rang
It was the hospital
They said you'd died
You weren't supposed to die
But you waited for me to get home
What am I going to do now you're gone, mum?
Written in 2005 by Micky Sherwood
October 5, 2005
When I was only 13, I lost my best friend. It was really hard and I thought thatlife couldn't get any worse. But it did. Last year, on Christmas Eve, my grandmotherdied. It was the worst day of my life. I didn't know something like that would hurtso much. Just a month ago today, my uncle died. I don't know how many other peopleI'm going to loose in my lifetime, but all I know is that I miss them somuch.
Dedicated to:
Henry "Grand Pop" Briel
Audrey "Nan" Cummins
Billy "Uncle Bill" Balch
Rest In Peace
If tears could build a stairway
And memories were a lane
I'd walk right up to heaven
To bring you home again.
No farewell words were spoken;
No time to say goodbye.
You were gone before we knew it
And only god knows why.
My heart still aches in sadness
And secret tears still flow.
What it meant to lose you,
No one will ever know.
Author Unknown
Submitted by Stefanie B., Age 15 --- Virginia
October 5, 2005
And if I go, while you're still here
Know that I live on, vibrating to a different measure
Behind a thin veil you cannot see through.
You will not see me, so you must have faith.
I wait for the time when we can soar together again,
Both aware of each other.
Until then, live your life to its fullest.
And if you should need me,
Just whisper my name in your heart;
I will be there.
Author Unknown
Submitted by Jaimie Eshleman --- Pennsylvania
My father found this about a month before his 8 year battle withemphysema ended...it helps me everyday knowing that he is still watching over me,and also that someday we'll be together again.
Love you dad.
October 5, 2005
I am a 25-year-old male who recently lost my 27-year-old best friend. He died froman overdose of pills. There's nothing that I want more than to see him again. Sincehis death, I have become a totally different person. I'm now on the path that I shouldbe on and I think it would make him happy to know that. Now I see how precious life isand put every ounce of my energy into the loved ones who are still with me. That's whyI'm here.......to care.
Written in 2005 by Jonathan Jones --- Virginia
October 5, 2005
"God brings men into deep waters not to drown them, but to cleanse them."
James H. Aughey
"It's easy to be pleasant when life flows like a song, but the man worth while isthe one who will smile when everything goes dead wrong. For the test of the heartis trouble, and it always comes with years, and the smile that is worth the praisesof earth is the smile that shines through the tears."
Old Irish Blessing
Submitted by Kity T., Age 15 --- Haryana, India
One should never lose hope in life as, "Hope sustains life".
October 5, 2005
I WISH
I wish you were here to share my life,
To hear what you think of me being a midwife.
I wish you were in the photos I took today,
Not confined to the albums I've tucked away.
I wish you were here to hold my hand,
Those times I know you're the only one who'd understand.
I wish you were here to help my heart mend,
That I'd got to know you more as a friend.
I wish you were here to meet my man,
And I'd see my babies held by their great gran.
I wish you were here to see the day that I wed,
Not confined to my heart or memories instead.
I wish you were here to hear the poems that I wrote,
And here to receive all the time I'd devote.
I wish you were here to make me laugh like you used to,
To make me smile when I'm in need of a booster.
I wish you were here as I think of you tonight,
But I can never wish you back, try as I might.
Copyright © 2004 Stephanie Ineson
We all miss those we love who are no longer with us, here on earthin material form. But their memory, spirit and love will always surround us.
October 5, 2005
"AIDS is a monster that brings our land to the brink of catastrophe."
Written in 2005 by Machacha P. Phillemon --- South Africa
This quote is taken from one of my poems titled, "Bad Visitor"
October 5, 2005
In memory of my husband, who I loved dearly
James Ray Oden
04/23/58 -12/01/04
On Dec.1, 2004, I lost my husband of almost 22 years due to myeloma cancer. Ilove and miss him dearly. I can feel his presence everywhere. I don't really knowhow I'm dealing with this because I miss him so much. I wake up every day and thinkI'm dreaming he's going to be in the next room. This man, the love of my life,and my best friend was only 46 years old. I never thought I could hurt so badly,the pain is so severe. I pray every night that the pain will just ease up a little.I will love you forever and we will be together again.
Your wife, Kat
October 5, 2005
My mum is suffering
Her chest is aching
Her eyes are crying
Her body is weakening
I am learning
I am hoping
I am wishing
I am teaching her to accept suffering and to stop fearing
Written in 2005 by Goh Kok Ching, Singapore
This dedicated to my mum who has breast cancer. She has to suffereveryday unlike normal people like you and me. I hope that I can learn more thingsand teach her more about life, so that she can learn to accept her adversity andwhatever unfolds.