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Tuesday 20 November 2012

Earthly Goodbyes

     My apologies ,but my heart is in mourning tonight, as today a friend/acquaintance succumbed after a
            horrendous battle with cancer. I wrote this hoping it may be cathartic.
                      Thank-you for reading.

The day that tree fell down at my mother-in-law, was a perfectly still,day.
There was no wind whatsoever and yet she awoke to one of the three trees strewn haphazardly across the lawn.
That was the day my father-in-law made a turn for the worse. He passed away three days later.

It really seemed odd at the time and somehow seems even more odd that this is what I think of when I come home and listen to the message on my machine.

Her voice is heavy and thick  with sorrow ,and the colour of grief.
" She passed away this morning at eleven thirty."
It is over.
All morning and for days I had thought and prayed as this mother fought valiantly to the end. My heart aches for her two children who must somehow forge the teenage years and beyond without her.
I consider her bravery as she fought this battle without the support of a loving marriage partner.
My mind drifts back to when our children played together, they had ridden the same bus, attended the same school.
She was a passionate,radiant woman.
I think about the beautiful home they lived in and the lifestyle they seemed to enjoy.
 I remember her beautiful smile...always smiling.
And then I remember how only recently I found out things were not
 what they seemed.
Smiles  and wealth can be a facade. A very convincing facade.

I wonder how many people I come in contact with who are smiling but  are carrying heavy burdens that somehow they can't share.
I wonder if I've cared enough? or even at all?
I think about moments I've squandered. I could have done more.

Fear and excuses are a feeble fight against regret.
Why is it easier to build walls instead of bridges?

Wiping away tears I lift this family to the Hands of Healing,Life and Grace.
I know she is There, her suffering here is over.
She had prayed this prayer and believed.

And I remember her; this; and realise I still have time .....
     to give,grow, learn and love.





 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.Revelations 21:4

4 comments:

  1. What a beautiful verse for a beautiful lady. Her tears and pain are over and done. May this comfort those who grieve.

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  2. Oh Lucy. I am so, so deeply sorry. Your tribute was so touching, so beautifully written.

    I'm sad for the teens who lost their mom. Hope they have contact with their other parent. How tragic to lose a mom just at a time when you need her most.

    But God will protect them and guide them.

    This Thanksgiving, you will have your memories of her and times you shared.

    I have loved coming to know you a little better, too, and I thank you for your visits to my beloved blog, my labor of love.

    Blessings to you, Lucy. And may the Lord fill your heart with peace, acceptance and serenity, knowing one day you will meet your friend again and hold her in your arms. Susan

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  3. Lucy,
    This picture of the tree is beautiful. I love tree pictures, as they are haunting to me. I'm so sorry for your loss. I think the story went well with your wonderful picture.
    ~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

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  4. Lucy, I have come here today to "meet" you, to meander through your blog after you stopped by and left a sweet comment on mine. And here is where I have stopped, for the words you write here have touched my heart. How true, that we see only the exterior of a person's life, and that often burdens are heavy when we casual observers see none. Thank you for the reminder tonight...and I am sorry for your loss and the loss of your friend's children.

    ReplyDelete

thank you and blessings for words from your heart...