It comes in waves
Waves that relentlessly pound
Waves that smash you into a wall
One picture…one memory…is all it takes
The reality that a warm hug is not an option
that she’ll never walk through the door
that she’s gone – forever!
The emptiness of her absence brings
a sting that doesn’t subside
a deep ache that permeates my very soul
Say her name…please say her name
Remember her…please remember her
My beautiful girl, how I miss you…
Today you are having breakfast with your daughter,
while I eat alone with only memories of mine.
Today you will talk & pray & help your daughter with her wedding attire,
while that desire sharply stings in my empty arms.
Today you will kiss your daughter as you enter the sanctuary to witness her vows,
while I envy the sound of that voice.
Today will be a fairy-tale wedding with sights of flowing gown and veil,
while the sight of a white casket lingers in my eyes.
Yes, it is a joyful day – for you!
As I am sorely reminded and grieve what will never be – for me!
Have you ever stepped on a Lego? Walking into a room, minding your own business, when WAMMO! The pain, the agony, jerk, the bouncing on one leg…did I mention the pain?
Yup, I’ve hit a wall! I’ve “stepped” on a gazillion legos. Grief is such an intricate beast.
This month has been filled with Baby Showers, Bridal Showers, Birth Announcements, Wedding Invitations, and on and on. I have been purposeful about making decisions to attend or not to attend without feeling guilty or like I “have-to-be-there” (therapy is helping). Can I just pat myself on the back, cause, I believe I’ve done well, thank you!
BUT it hit! And, it hit hard! Horrid panic/anxiety attack. Anger. Screaming. Stomach knots. Difficulty breathing.
I’ll never see my daughter in a wedding dress…I’ll never hold her child….I’ll never celebrate with her a birth announcement….I’ll never…I’ll never…I’ll never…SCREAM!!!!!!!!!!
~ Sigh ~
When my brain quiets down, I KNOW my daughter is not missing out on anything. She is whole and complete. I have peace and assurance that I will hold her in my arms again. Then, and only then, will this assault of my mind and emotions will be over.
In the meantime, I hunker down and allow the waves to come. I don’t fight my feelings and emotions or condemn myself for feeling this way. I’m learning to ride them out. And, as I step on them “legos”, I’ll jump and scream and writhe in pain. It won’t be forever, cause there’s no legos in heaven 😉
This picture has always captivated me. I remember looking at this plant and thinking, I need to get rid of this “dead” plant. Then I saw this beautiful flower, almost as if defying the dead, brittle branches around it. Standing straight, showcasing its beauty.
Choices…decisions…
This “walk through the valley of the shadow of death” is incomprehensible. No way can I even try to explain “it” nor do I want to. However, I do need to keep on “walking”, “moving”, “living”. I have choices and decision to make.
Several quotes have captured my attention: “Suffering is a gift. May we suffer well.” * “No matter how dark it gets, love and hope are always possible.” * “Suffering is a gift; in it hidden mercy.” * “Life will continue, will you let it come in?”
My daughter’s race is finished, but mine is not. Will I “live” in a manner that “showcases” my hope and trust in a Living God? Will I stand straight and firm upon the promises of a God that does all things well? Will I “showcase” the beauty of the cross, the hope of the resurrection, the trust in the God who is, who was and who is to come? By the amazing, keeping grace of God – I believe so! I am willing! AND because He lives, I can face tomorrow, and I can rejoice in the LORD today!
"Ready Pen..." 