Words for the Journey

Recently the 7th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s destructive landfall was marked vividly by the howling landfall of Hurricane Isaac. As someone who lived on the Mississippi Coast during Katrina, that was a painful time back in 2005. It was one that changed all of us in so many ways.August 29th is another anniversary, though. One that is more painful. It has been a year since my wife Maggy’s dad passed away. Having been a part of the family for so long, he was a father to me as well. Really, he treated me that way from the beginning.

BRINGING HOPE AND COMFORT:  HOW TO HELP A PERSON WHO HAS WITNESSED A PUBLIC SUICIDEBy Catherine Greenleaf           

My hope is after you read this you will understand,(I am sure you do). Tears are something I tend to run from, The pain I feel that brings on my tears is just Gods way of clensing. I decided to quit running from this. My husband was a Christian, and more than speaking about his love for Jesus He displayed it every day with how he loved the boys and I. I want to tell you about one time, so personal, but a must to reveal.

My wife and I were traveling, and found ourselves on a journey in Toronto for the weekend with our three-year old son, Noah.  I say “found” as at this point 15 years later I do not remember why were there just that it was not the destination and that we had not planned the trip.  We travel a lot however with a three year old we usually did not go to big cities. We were much more likely to be in the mountains of Pennsylvania or the beaches of Price Edward Island.  Non-the less Toronto is where we were. 

I’ve never been a stranger to grief. My mother and stepbrother were killed in a car accident when I was very young, and of course, almost every child experiences the loss of at least one grandparent. By the time I was twenty-one, I figured I could handle anything grief could throw my way. I felt incredibly strong, confident, and optimistic about the future. I had a great family, awesome friends, and an amazing boyfriend. I felt unstoppable.

After my daughter Jeannine died at the age of 18 in March of 2003,there were signs of her everlasting presence in my life. In the beginning of my journey, though I acknowledged these signs, I didn't develop a greater appreciation for what they communicated to me about the sacredness of the relationship that I developed with Jeannine until much later in my journey.

 

Years

     When we lose a loved one--especially in a sudden and traumatic way—we typically experience a wide range of emotions. Sadness and anger we expect, but many other confusing thoughts and feelings often arise.      Pinpointing these emotions can help us feel a little more in control and a little less perplexed, even if there’s not an immediate solution or explanation for why we’re feeling this way.

The Storm As the thunder rolled and signaled danger,we kept fighting our way throughthe confusing maze of gathered facts,disappointments, setbacks, and fear.As you disappeared inch by inch, pound by pound,

All of us have experienced many "FIRST'S in our lives.  Our first love, our first kiss, the list can go on and on.   

Grief’s CloakI took off grief’s cloak so that its heaviness would be removed.I needed to lift this shroud of pain and sadness