I Miss Your Voice

The human voice is powerful. Our ears are attuned to the pitch and cadence of the voices of those we love. We hear them in our hearts and our dreams.

From the Grieving Heart:

I miss your voice. 

I listened to an old voicemail last night. It was wonderful and awful at the same time. I was thrilled to hear your voice, but the tears started flowing immediately. 

I listened to the voicemail again. And again. I couldn't get enough of you. I closed my eyes and could almost see you. I kept them closed for a long time, my imagination basking in your presence. 

Yes, I miss your voice. I miss you. I miss everything. 

Since then, I've listened differently. I'm paying attention to the voices around me. I'm more present somehow. Our voices have such power. They come from within and are so personal and individual. 

I miss your words, your laughter, and your singing. I listened to your voicemail again. Pain and longing speared my heart. I felt like a thousand needles had been thrust into my soul.  

I'm not doing well today. All I can think about is you.

The voice is powerful.

The human voice has great power. We use it to express our minds, hearts, love, and angst. Our voice identifies us. When we hear the voice of someone we love, we smile.

When someone close to us dies or departs, we miss hearing their voice. We miss the interaction and connection. We miss the physical presence and everything else associated with that voice. We remember past words, phrases, and conversations. 

If we're fortunate, we have voicemails, recordings, or videos of our loved one. We listen, and their voice triggers all the emotions churning deep within us. For a moment, we're with them again. Perhaps we can even somehow feel their presence. 

With their voice, they spoke to us. They shared themselves with us. They told us they cared about and loved us. Their words filtered into our hearts and souls. Their voice became a part of us.

Right now, listening to their voice might bring pain and sadness. There will come a day when hearing the same message or video will bring laughter and joy. For now, we simply let the grief come. Our tears and sadness honor them. Our grief is one way we say, "I love you."

Affirmation:

I miss you and long to hear your voice. I love you.

Adapted from Comfort for Grieving Hearts: Hope and Encouragement for Times of Loss. To watch a brief, 1-minute video about the book, click here.