Rick, Nora, and Toni walking with Jeanie at Iron Springs, WA August 1993
My friend Ursula sent me this poem yesterday. I love this and I find it very soothing:
DO NOT STAND ON MY GRAVE AND WEEP,
I AM NOT THERE, I DO NOT SLEEP,
I AM A THOUSAND WINDS THAT BLOW,
I AM THE DIAMOND GLINTS ON SNOW,
I AM THE SUNLIGHT ON RIPENED GRAIN,
I AM THE GENTLE AUTUMN RAIN.
WHEN YOU AWAKEN IN THE MORNING’S HUSH,
I AM THE SWIFT UPLIFTING RUSH,
OF QUIET BIRDS IN CIRCLED FLIGHTS,
I AM THE SOFT STARS THAT SHINE AT NIGHT.
DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND CRY.
I AM NOT THERE. I DID NOT DIE.Ocean Shores, photo by Rick
photo by Rick (Ocean Shores)
My long time childhood friend, Kathy, told me that when she recently experienced deep loss, a friend told her to “Absorb the Love”. That is exactly my key to surviving this grief. There is so much love around me and I am absorbing it all! Thank you, my readers, for being here for me.
I am so sorry for your loss Fran. Jeanie sounds like the most wonderful sister. Thank you for writing about her so we can get to know her a little too as she is and will always be a part of you. I appreciate you reaching out to me after class yesterday, in the midst of your own grief, to talk with me about the recent loss of my father. I have little to no experience with grief and some days don’t know what to do with it all. It is caring people like you that are helping me learn about the process. I believe my dad sends help through the love of others when he sees I am struggling. You are right, we are blessed by the gifts our loved ones gave us. To carry on in joy rather than sadness, with their light in our hearts, is what they would want. God bless you and your family. I will be thinking of you.
Yes, this is how I think of my mom. Now that she’s gone, she’s in everything. My life is “asparkle” with her presence.
Love to All,
Rick