Hope

It is amazing to me that sometimes you find you can do something you were never good at. In my case it was writing a poem. I challenge each of you to try writing a poem about your child who died, how you feel, what you hope for, what you miss, or whatever flows from your heart. I think you will find it a challenging but useful activity during your grief journey. Here is one of the few poems I have written dedicated to my daughter Marcy that can be found in my second book on surviving grief.

HOPE

As I look up to the sky,

a bright star shines down.

I feel it is you smiling at me,  

telling me it is okay for me to laugh,

it is okay for me to be happy again.

I'm trying, I tell you.

It is not an easy road to travel

when you have lost the most

important thing in your life.

But my heart is full with love

from a wonderful man and many friends,

And, of course, I feel your love surround me

on this chilly December day.

It warms my heart and my body as always.

I keep busy and try to make a difference

in this world by helping others.

I do it for you, in your memory,

and I find it is a wonderful feeling.

I know you used to do it also,

You used to help close friends

and even strangers.

I look around me and see young people

enjoying the outdoors, running, playing, 

wishing for a good snowfall.

I hear their laughter and their good wishes.

I know there is hope for a better 

world when I look into their eyes.

I wish I could share everything I say

and do with you, as I used to.

I miss you so much, 

my beautiful daughter.

I think of you every minute of every 

day and always will.

I want you to know, though,

that I was always a survivor,and will continue to be one

both for you and for me.

I love you, always and forever.

Mom