ISO a poem, encouragement, anything!

Jennifer S,

This Christmas was very hard, my soulmate for the last 36 years went to Jesus on Feb. 17th, and on Nov. 21 my Mom joined him. So this Christmas I had not only lost my husband but my Mom. Christmas was not the same I did put up a small tree. I noticed that no one mentioned their name. My son has only spoken to me once since my Mom died, and that was on Christmas Day. If it wasn’t for my daughter I don’t know where I would be.
I still go to the doctor for my nerves, and I still go to the counselor every week, they are helping me hold everything together as much as I can. Hold on to your loved ones, because we are not guaranteed tomorrow much less today.

Terry Sanders

Kim,

Not sure if this will fall in the category of inspiration but I was struck by the thought. Yesterday I attended a memorial service for a friend’s mother in law who passed away at the age of 89. Sybil had led a good life and was generally in good health and really it was age that ultimately caused her passing.

After the family had spoke about grandma the pastor got up and read a scripture and then went on to share her own thoughts about death and loss and she said something that truly struck home with me and that is that Grief is the last gift our loved ones give to us. It is a period to feel sorrow and loss for their passing and then with time find comfort in our memories. I know I have never considered grief in this context and it really struck a chord. Maybe this idea of grief as a gift will also help your sister.

Bz

little tree
e.e. cummings

little tree
little silent Christmas tree
you are so little
you are more like a flower

who found you in the green forest
and were you very sorry to come away?
see i will comfort you
because you smell so sweetly

i will kiss your cool bark
and hug you safe and tight
just as your mother would,
only don’t be afraid

look the spangles
that sleep all the year in a dark box
dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine,
the balls the chains red and gold the fluffy threads,

put up your little arms
and i’ll give them all to you to hold
every finger shall have its ring
and there won’t be a single place dark or unhappy

then when you’re quite dressed
you’ll stand in the window for everyone to see
and how they’ll stare!
oh but you’ll be very proud

and my little sister and i will take hands
and looking up at our beautiful tree
we’ll dance and sing
“Noel Noel”

Source: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/archive/poem.html?id=176724

Christmas in Heaven
by Unknown

‘Tis Christmas in Heaven
What a beautiful sight!
It’s my first one here;
Everything is all right.

The crib is adorned
With the brilliance of stars,
Wisemen have come
From Venus and Mars.

I’ve met all our dear ones
Who preceded us here;
The reunion was lovely,
An event full of cheer.

And tonight we’ll all gather,
In reverence we’ll kneel,
For the Babe in the cradle
Up in Heaven is Real.

I think of my family
that I left behind
And I pray that your Christmas
Is as blessed as mine

Please shed no more tears,
For my soul is at rest,
Just love one another;
Live life to its best.

Yes, It’s Christmas In Heaven,
So I’ve heard them say,
Yet, Christmas In Heaven
Happens every day.