Grief
I didn't know a heart could die
before it stopped beating.
I didn't know a life could cease
before it stopped breathing.
I didn't know how devastation
could wend a living soul
I didn't know how death could make
one lose all self control.
I didn't know the pain of loss
was so intense and sharp.
I didn't know the depth of void
death leaves within the heart.
I didn't know how often tears
would redden hurting eyes.
I didn't know how hard it was
to say one's last good-bye's.
I didn't know that pain would come
and go as it well pleased.
I didn't know that joy is scarce
to those who are bereaved.
I didn't know that time would stop
and meaning cease to be.
I didn't know that friends would pray
but shy away from me.
I didn't know how difficult
to get the whole night through.
I didn't know the strength it took
for simple tasks to do.
I didn't know that as time pass
slowly, the pain subsides.
I didn't know what I thought was lost
still in my heart resides.
Now I know a little spark,
somehow in me remained.
Now I know that someway,
my life will be sustained.
Now I know the feelings felt,
were all a part of grief.
Now I know how fervent prayer
helped me to find relief.
So rest assured my unknown friends,
though healing comes real slow.
It actually does get better
for now, I truly know.
Yes I survived my loved one death
that occurred this time last year.
I feel the loss and always will
but the pain's much less severe.
Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. http://www.clergyservices4u.org She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances: Homilies that Teach. Her new book, Out of Deep Waters: A Grief Healing Workbook, will be available soon.
Latest News
Workshop aimed at holiday sadness News-Leader.com, MO - Conference attendees will be able to chose breakout sessions on children and grief, loss of adult family members and death of a child. ... Group wants to help grieving people make it through holidays |
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 Longmont Daily Times-Call | Expressing grief an appropriate response to loss of loved ones Longmont Daily Times-Call, CO - The gathering aims to validate grief as an appropriate response to loss and to help people feel less funny about some of their grief reactions, ... |
Handling loss during the holidays Signal, CA - Zhorne said recovery starts by being able to freely express all the thoughts and emotions connected with loss. Maybe it's regret, or grieving the loss of ... |
 Sydney Morning Herald | Carl Williams, dad speak of loss Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia - Counsellors were made available to both men if needed to help cope with the grief, prison sources said. Mrs Williams' ex-husband George, 61, was jailed in ... Matriarch Judy Moran sorry at rival's fate |
Help for managing grief, loss Wicked Local Brockton, MA - By Elaine Allegrini Grief and loss come in many forms, from the loss of a job or home to broken relationships and death. A program for grief and loss ... |
Counselors, clergy help students with grief Hickory Daily Record, NC - Smith and her fellow counselors work to educate the students on grief, what to expect and how to process their emotional reactions to loss. ... |
Program offers support to those coping with grief Post-Bulletin, MN - "I think just the concept of a support group can be crucial for people going through this type of loss, whether it's through the death of a spouse, ... |
Web site offers tips on dealing with grief, loss Reading Eagle, PA - ... offers visitors an opportunity to counsel with leading educators, authors, grief counselors and psychologists on topics related to grief and loss. ... |
Death is a hot topic among writers these days Los Angeles Times, CA - ... in a children's book and showed a deep understanding of the natural life cycle and the balance between loss and regeneration, grief and endurance. ... |
Resources
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Recover from the Grief of Pet Loss
How to ROAR: Pet Loss Grief Recovery by Robin Jean Brown. A complete, definitive guide to dealing with the death of your pet.