Grief touches all of us. It may be because of a death of a loved one, a loss of a job or tragic life events beyond our control. Grieving hurts and heals. As you read through this section, if you have something you would like to add, please send it here. By sharing, you can help others through their grief.

Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little - but no for long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me, but let me go.

For this journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all part of the Master's plan
A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me - but let me go.

Author Unknown
Sent in by I.C. --- Scotland
My Gran died on January 23, 2010 of bone cancer. My Granddad wrote this on the back of the order of service at her funeral. When I find it hard and I can't cope, I will read this and look at her picture and know that she is my guardian angel that is always with me and looking over me, and keeping me safe. She is never going to go away and will always be in my heart till we meet again. I wish I could just see her one more time, hear her laughing again but I know that she is out of pain and will never need to suffer again. I miss you Gran, you are always in my heart.

"I am thinking of you. If you were sad or down, I send you loving thoughts for sunnier days so that instead of chaos, you may have serenity and peace."

Written in 2010 by Hercolena Oliver --- South Africa

Back in 2009, I lost two of my loved ones.

On March 12th 2009, my husband of 8 years passed away suddenly of a massive heart attack at the young age of 42. There were no signs or warnings and he was gone within minutes. I tried my best to perform CPR, but could not save him. I watched him pass away in our home.

I didn't want to believe that he was gone. My brain kept screaming "THIS ISN'T HAPPENING!! WAKE UP! IT'S JUST A DREAM!" However, it wasn't a dream but real life. I also couldn't believe that I was a widow at the age of 34. I questioned why this had happened and why he was taken from me? We had been together for a total of 15 years; how could I not have seen any signs?

I do not have the answers and I am not sure I will ever get the answers. My emotions after his death were disbelief, depression, severe sadness, anger, fear, but basically a mixture of emotions. I had such tremendous support from my family and friends. They helped me through and were there for me to lean on. I needed my family and friends more than anything.

Six weeks after my husband passed away, on April 24th 2009, my mother passed away. My mother had been ill for some time, but we didn't know that she would not recover.

My mom went into the hospital in January and wasn't able to attend for my husband's services. I was on a conference call with my dad and the hospital, when the doctor told all of us that we needed to make one of the hardest decisions we had ever encountered. None of us wanted to let her go. She was our mother, and was suppose to live forever.

The doctor went to check on her and she started to have complications. We all told the doctor to tell her that we will be there and to wait. I had an hour drive to the hospital (which I made it in less than 45min), and my middle sister had a 5 hr ride. My dad and older sister were already there.

My mom was so strong; she waited until her family was there. We all got a chance to talk to her and let her know how much we loved her. The only thing we wanted was to hear her say "I love you too." I was standing at the side of her bed, and just couldn't believe that I was now watching my mother pass away.

My life felt like it was completely upside down. I wasn't sure how I was going to make it through all of this, but I remember that my mom was so worried that after the loss of my husband, that I would just "curl up and die". I promised her that I wouldn't and I haven't.

It has been such a struggle, but once again my family and friends were my support and they were my rock. I knew that I couldn't just seclude myself and cry, even though I really wanted to. I had to move forward, and gather the strength needed to survive.

I will honestly say it wasn't easy and I still have my moments of bursting into tears, sadness, and depression. However, I then think of the good times and all of the memories that I had with my husband and my mother.

I wrote the following, on March 16th 2010, and posted it on my face book page:

"Time in my opinion really doesn't seem to heal us, but it helps us learn to deal with our loss and continue to move forward. The tears will always continue to be shed, but we have the memories that will be forever locked in our minds and in our hearts."

Copyright © 2010 Shannon M. Russell

"Death is not extinguishing the light, it is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come."

Rabindranath Tagore
Submitted by Thirunavukkarasu Srinivasan --- India

"Sometimes you have to fall, in order to see who will be there to pick you up."

Written in 2010 by A.B. --- Australia
This has been my personal experience - a deep crash into depression and mental illness and a humbling experience of finding who abandoned me (including my partner of 3 years) and who rallied around me.

"Think not about what you have lost but think of what he will gain. Let sorrow be the teacher that teaches you how to love and let go of love."

Written in 2010 by Pilar Sarmiento Virginia
I just lost my brother recently and although we lost him and will surely missed him, we know that he is now in a better place than we are.

In Memory of MKW

She always had a shoulder to cry on
Her heart as genuine as newly fallen flakes of snow.
From the moment I came into her life
She loved, nurtured, and guided me
As part of her family, as though it was always so.

She delighted in all our little successes
And with her beloved of them all
Into her arms and into her heart
She planted her much adored grandson.
She was not there to greet her granddaughter
Yet she incarnates her, their spirits are not far apart.

In the 5 years since she left this place
A family has been fractured
Her only son a different man.
I stand by him, heartbroken and helpless
As the grief continues to weigh heavy
I pray for peace and comfort, if only something can.

The graciousness you embody
Befalls in all of us
Inhabiting our souls, you forever will
You made us all better and we will not forget. Today I try wearily not to mourn
Choosing to celebrate all in us you did instill.
As promised, I will take care of your son
Though I fear not as well as you.

Like a mighty mountain, I will be strong
As a gentle breeze, I will soothe
Leaning on faith and hope
Until we are together, where we all belong.

Written in 2010 by DMW

My daughter Jessica died Feb.9.2010 from the illness, cystic fibrosis. I still don't know how to get through each day. This is for her.

Jessica

You never said you're leaving
You never said goodbye
You were gone before I knew it,
And only God knew why.

A million times I needed you,
A million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you,
You never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly
In death I love you still
In my heart you hold a place,
That nobody could ever fill.

It broke my heart to lose you,
But you didn't go alone
For part of me went with you,
The day God took you home.

Love You
Mom

Author Unknown
Sent in by Barbara Markie

My uncle was like a father and best friend to me. It's hard when you lose a loved one so suddenly; it hurt. He had cancer and when we found out, it was too late; it felt like a knife going thru my heart. My sister found a poem that suits him so well.

In Loving Memory of Danny Ray "Abbitt" Martin
You will be missed by all

Morning Glory

This morning I opened my eyes
Like a flower blooming the first time
Taking in the Heavenly light
From God's son shining so bright

Life in a King's garden in full bloom
Always standing with no gloom
The Gardener watches with care
For his flowers he loves so dear

In Heaven he attends to us all
And my petals never fade nor fall
So when down remember this story
And you'll see me in a morning glory

Author Unknown
Submitted by Reeka Reed --- Kentucky
This poem suited him so well because Morning Glories were his favorite flowers.

Our Angel

A heartbeat, a sweet hope, our baby was he.
Our dream, our life, our future was he.
An angel, so divine, a bright light was he.
A good news, God's favorite child was he.

A bunch of smiles he gave us,
Tons of laughter he gave us,
Baby, our sweet baby, you left us,
With the promise of love from morn till dusk.

Our little one, you abide in heaven,
In the midst of angels and good men.
Baby, you left us with the everlasting truth,
That our love has made a place, even in heaven.

Copyright © 2010 Shiny Oommen
This poem is dedicated to all those who have lost their children.

"I say your name in the wind, to blow to a star to greet you and shine on you where(ever) you are. "

Written in 2010 by Hercolena Oliver --- South Africa

Dear Mommy

I know you are sad that I had to leave
And you don't understand why I couldn't breathe
And I know it doesn't help you, that I am no longer in pain
But I promise I hear you every time you call my name

I try and touch you and comfort you when you cry
And I know you don't understand why I had to die
Sometimes I hold you as you fall asleep
The tears sometimes don't stop as you continue to weep

I try and let you know I am there
I see you hugging my bunny and my teddy bear
And I caress your face
But sometimes it doesn't help, as you stare at the corner
That used to be my space

I see you hold my clothes searching for that baby smell
I just wish I could stop you from believing that you are in hell
Precious Mommy, I know you miss me more every day
And I know you struggle and look for answers, something to say
I can feel how much you miss me every minute of the day
But even though I tried, I just was not meant to stay

Please don't think I ever held you to blame
It was just my time, I had to go
They called my name

I know you wish to hold me just one more time
Just remember,
As much as I was yours, you were also mine

My heart knows how much you loved me
Even though you had to let me go
And even after death, I promise you I know

Sometimes while you are sleeping, I curl up next to you
And I sing our song, just like you used to do
I curl my fingers around yours, just like I always did
And I place butterfly kisses upon each eye lid

Please don't ever believe
That I didn't know how much you loved me
Because I felt it every time I breathed

This world was just too cruel for me to stay too long
And I know you are angry and it feels so wrong
But now instead of you watching over me
I watch over you every single day
And I will always be your strength in every way

And even though it was time for me to depart
I did not die
Because I live in your heart.

Love Always,
Your Daughter Malia

Copyright © 2008 Amber Delatorre-Melendez
I wrote this poem for my daughter Malia, who passed away in Dec 06. She was only 5 ¹/₂ months.

I should say that My daughter wrote this poem and I was the vessel she used to make it alive because when I wrote this poem, I don't remember thinking of the words; it just all came together like she was with me right there telling me what to write.

"Death ends a life, not a Relationship."

Written in 2010 by Arbind Modi --- India
Missing so much those who died.

To My Daughter, With Love

On the day you laid me to rest
I whispered I love you
I vowed to watch over you
I vowed to shower God with your praise

It has been so long
Since I've held you
I've missed your laugh
And precious smile
I've missed the twinkle in your hazel eyes

I know you need me
I know you seek my guidance
I need you too, my Little One

As I patiently await for you
I dream that I'm holding your hand
As we play upon a cloud
Under a sky of cornflower blue

You need not rush to me
Laugh, cry, smile, love, care... Live
When you need me most
Close your eyes
And feel me beside you

Copyright © 2003 Heidi Anne Lenox
In Memory of my Grandmother, Helen F Lever
Dedicated to my Mother, Connie Lever Drelinger

"Look deep inside hate, there is Love. "

Written in 2010 by Jeton Lajqi
... from Kosova

I wrote these two quotes, when I felt like I was alone, after my best friend died.

"When you lose someone close, God's opening the door for someone to move even closer."

Written in 2010 by Tiffany B. --- Missouri

Tears may fall, but I won't cry.
You can ask me, but I won't tell you why.
And although it hurts, I won't let it show.
I still want you so much, but no one will know.
I may think of you, but not say your name.
Even though I'm so lonely, to you it's the same.
All, I'll miss you so much, but you won't know at all.
And I'll think about it, but never call.
I'll write down the words, but not say them out loud.
There's so much inside me, but I won't let it out.
I want you here with me, but I'll never try.
My heart is broken, but I can't say goodbye.

Written in 2006 by Rose L. --- Australia
I chose this one because I lost 3 people: Great*2 Granddad in 1999, my Uncle in 2002, and a Family friend in 2004. I loved all of them very much and I didn't know how to deal with a loss until I started doing poetry!! To grieve, I play music, write poetry, and what I love doing the most - drawing. Everyone is different!!!

Love here on Earth,
Love beyond the grave,
There are no roads
My love for you can't pave.

Author Unknown


"Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory comfort you tomorrow."

Author Unknown
Submitted by Hannah B. --- New York
My father died two years ago. It seems like a lifetime. He was my best friend, the person I could go to for anything! I miss him like crazy and even though I still have yet to stop crying for him, sometimes things like this help a lot. These and a few others have reminded me that everything happens for a reason I guess, and that we are not separated forever. Still miss him like crazy and it never seems to get any better.

Trying Times

They come when I try.
And fly when I'm dry.
They push when I'm sly.
And cease when I ply.

Sometimes I apply
When there's no sun in the sky.
And all that remains is why I must vie,
Even when there's no rye.

It's hard to imagine
How the wind blows to pieces.
What you've built in one piece.
But the mind says 'hold'
And don't quit
Even when it's cold!

Copyright © 2009 Chukwuebuka Ezeife
I wrote this poem after contacting a disease. It helped me pull through life!

Dedicated to my friend: Duncan MacPherson
(February 3, 1966 - August 9, 1989)

D.U.N.C.A.N.2.0.

The people that know me well know that I love cycling and train most days for four hours. My personal record time was finally achieved at 57 minutes in the 42.5km time trial on July 24th, 2009. For a month in my training I had placed white tape on each of my four fingers, on both hands. Each piece of tape has a letter, spelling D.U.N.C.A.N.2.0.
This is a tribute to my friend Duncan MacPherson. On Aug 9th, 2009 it was twenty years since his passing on.

Duncan's parents lived across the street from my grandparents. As kids, from time to time, we would play. In our early twenties as young adults we would start hanging out again. He too loved cycling and in his off-season from playing professional hockey would cycle as part of his conditioning. Both of us would often train together.

Duncan had a passion for excellence in everything he did, particularly in his sport of choice. Hockey. He was drafted by the N.Y. Islanders in the first round in 1984. He loved a challenge. He loved trying something new. He gave his best to each day.

I learned so much from him during those summers. The commitment. The level of training one needed to do. He made me appreciate every new day in a way I hadn't before. The bike frame that I use today is the same one I used then. Sure, the one's now are one-third the weight and far superior. But this frame has a history and in part I use it to remember his life.

Since his death, some people have remarked how sad it was that he was just twenty-three when he died. But the way I look at it Duncan was alot like the "morning glory" flower. Morning glories, if you look closely at them, will show you how extraordinary they are both in colour and texture. And that in their center, is a kind of golden light that shines from within. At the end of the day they turn a most beautiful shade of lavender and then close up, wither, and die. They live for only one day and then they are gone.

You see, it doesn't matter how long your life is. It only matters that you were here in all your glory, and that you opened up completely and let your light shine. And that you brought joy to those who came into contact with you. That's what matters to the morning glory, and that's what should really matter to all of us.

Aug 2nd, 1989 was the last day I saw my friend Duncan. His last words were: "Miles, I don't know when I'll see you again."

I remember his face and those words as if it were yesterday. So, I place the white tape and the letters to give thanks for all his glory. For his extraordinary life. To keep challenging myself and others as he did.

For more on the life of Duncan MacPherson, click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duncan_MacPherson

Copyright © 2009, 2010 Miles Patrick Yohnke
All Rights Reserved.
Widely recognized and award-nominated engineer, producer, writer, poet and founder and C.E.O. of 5 Star Productions, Miles Patrick Yohnke brings many years of experience to the music industry; including many awards in sales and marketing. If you are looking at developing your career, Yohnke offers consulting in person, by phone or via email. For more info, please contact him directly at: 306.227.6379 or email at: miles@5-starproductions.com

January 25th was the 5th anniversary of my mother's passing. I submit this poem in her memory.

If roses grow in Heaven, Lord
Please pick a bunch for me.
Place them in my Mother's arms
And tell her they're from me.

Tell her I love her and miss her,
And when she turns to smile,
Place a kiss upon her cheek
And hold her for a while.

Because remembering her is easy,
I do it everyday,
But there is an ache within my heart
That will never go away.

Author Unknown
Submitted by Janet Cuthbert --- New Jersey
I would love to be able to give her roses in person. I'm so glad I was good to her while she was here on earth. I have no regrets. Be good to those you love while they are with you. Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one.

"Oh Death! I'm not afraid of you. Me and you have the same Creator and He has placed me above you."

Written in 2010 by Erwin Paulus --- Namibia
Came up with this thought when my Grandma told me that I survived meningitis when I was eight.

The first time I experienced the deep pain of losing someone through death I was just thirteen. I had been rummaging through my parents old box of keepsakes when I came across a death certificate that bared my own last name.

I just sat there staring at the piece of paper in my hand. I already knew my parents had lost a baby. I knew he was their first-born son. I knew he was only three months old. I knew many of the details, but there was something I had missed.

Staring at his death certificate, he became alive to me for the first time. He became my brother. I cried that day for the loss of a would be big brother I never knew. I cried again years later after having my own children. This time I cried for my mother. It wasn't until then that I understood how much she loved her son.

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast, and have no compassion on the child she has born? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Isaiah 49:15-16a

Can a mother forget?

It has been almost fifty years since my mother lost her precious infant son. She hasn't forgotten one tiny fold of his skin. His picture still sits on her nightstand next to where she lays her head each night. He engraved her heart the day he was born. Can she forget? No, never.

Do you ever wonder if God has forgotten you? He says even if a mother forgets, He will not forget you. God is reminding you today; He remembers you yesterday and won't forget you tomorrow.

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands. Isaiah 49:16a

Copyright © 2008 Theresa Gober
Though I can't imagine or pretend to know what the loss of a child begins to feel like, I do know how much I love my own children. I wrote about my experience with loss first through the eyes of a sister and then through the eyes of my mother. It is a short story that started when I was just 13. It took many years to complete such a short story, but some things take a little longer to understand. I dedicate this to my mother, who knows what it is to suffer great loss.

"If things did not shine for you today, always remember...tomorrow will be another day and the Sun will shine again."

Written in 2005 by Fe Florimon --- New York

"There's no kind of pain you're currently going through that God can't heal. Healing might take time, but it'll surely come."

Written in 2010 by Stanley Anukege --- Nigeria

"Some situations come to you in life to make you strong, not to make you isolated."

Written in 2010 by Stanley Anukege --- Nigeria
It's been my determination to mingle again after the loss of my sister.

In January 2006 my boyfriend's (now husband) Mum died quite suddenly with subarachnoid haemorrhage. This is a poem I wrote to him, in her memory. I wrote it on the 29th January 2006 - 3 days after her death.

I am here now,
I have made my final journey
No need for you to shed a tear.
I know that you are hurting deeply,
But do not fear, Jesus is here with me.

I understand that for you, it was all so very sudden
I understand that none of this feels right.
By all means cry, but when all your tears have fallen
Remember happy times of us together, you and I.

Speak to me as always you have spoken
Think fondly upon memories we shared
Time will heal, but please do not forget me
I'll be waiting, here with Jesus,
For the time to come when we will meet again.

Copyright © 2006 Karen Nisbet
I live in Bolton, England and have written a lot of amateur poetry - mainly through years of suffering with M.E. My faith was always the one constant and what kept me going through the dark times.

I lost my Great-Grandma in Sept 2003, my Great-Grandpa in Sept 2004, my Grandma in July 2006, my Nana in May 2009, and a very close friend who was like an "Uncle" to me in Dec 2009. They meant the world to me and being so young, it hurt me more to have lost these loved ones.

They were all sick for quite some time but they all were still cheerful and happy. I only got to say good-bye to one of them before they had passed on.

When my "Uncle" passed away, I was with him the day before. It just kills me because I was on my way out to see him again and we drove right past where he had crashed and we didnt even notice that there was a hole in the fence or the gash in the tree.

I love all of you guys: Tutu, Big Papa, Grandma, Nana, and Chris aka Bro. You are all still very close to me and miss you all so dearly. Here is a quote that I am about to get tattooed on my side, and then 5 stars, one for each person.

"Perhaps they are not stars, but openings in the Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."

Author Unknown
Submitted by Written by Ashley F., Age 18 --- California
I selected this one because they are all in heaven looking down at me and my family. I know they are still around and I know that they are no longer sick, or in pain. Also I was going to get it tattooed on my side is because I know even though they are in heaven, they are still by my side.

Well I lost my friend, Skylin. Oh man, he was so great to me and I really miss him.

I miss you and your beautiful smile
And you should know you're worth my while
You went away so soon
You released like a balloon

You were like a open book
But only finished the first chapter
Life is like a car
But once you run outta gas
Things happen and the days pass and pass

Written in 2010 by Written by A.S., Age 14

"When we realize that we are thought to be just a worthless person to someone special, tears and pain become our companion."

Written in 2010 by Marliana
I had just been through such an experience and it's really heartbreaking.

"Physically you may be far away but the love and kindness you showered on us reminds us of your presence every moment, every day! Miss you a Lot."

Arsiha
Submitted by Arpit Singh --- India
I miss my Father a lot.

My wife of 34 yrs passed away last August. It has been a big blow to me especially at this Christmas season. I wouldn't be able to make it without the love and support of my good friends and family. I visited your website a few days back and it brought great comfort to me so I wanted to return the favor. I've written poems for my wife in the past but I felt that I owed her just one more and I thought I would share it with you.

Follow Me

I had this bright light in my life.
It was my best friend, it was my wife.
Her light was brighter than all the stars,
It made the world glow from afar.

But now it's gone from you and me
Because the Lord said "Follow Me"

She had the warmest hugs and smile
She'd go the distance, go the mile.
But now that's gone, the rooms grown cold.
I feel so tired, I feel so old.

The smiles and hugs are gone from me.
Because the Lord said "Follow Me."

Now there's a big void in my heart.
The tears do flow, I'm torn apart.
The pain is real it hurts so bad.
I suffer now for I am sad.

The tears do flow for all to see
Because the Lord said "Follow Me."

Will my heart mend? I do not know.
How quickly will the pain let go?
Will the light shine brightly ever again?
Will I feel the warmth spread from within?

I feel these things will come to me
Because the Lord said "Follow Me."

Copyright © 2009 David Nilles

To My Dad, who lost his life in the Line of Duty in 2006.
He was a Firefighter for 21 Years

Rest In Peace, Fallen Firefighter, Allan Michael Roberts
Baltimore City Fire Dept., Engine 27, Truck 26, Local 734

Daddy's Last Flame

Whenever there was fear in someone's eyes
You'd drop everything you were doing
You'd be there in a hurry, to make sure no one died
No matter how big, you always kept going

You knew the dangers, for you'd thought about them many times
But you didn't care, this was your dream, all you knew
So whenever you had doubts, you'd look to the sky
To guide you as you did what you knew you had to do

I thought you'd return, every time you left home
You promised me that, and you've never broken one before
So I couldn't believe you left me in this world alone
I couldn't believe I would see you no more

I knew you'd been hurt real bad
You couldn't handle the heat and so to the ground you fell
When the top floor fell, it trapped you Dad
You knew you needed help and they knew it as well

I hate to think about your air mask falling off and your skin that burned
Your brothers were looking for you but they were taking too long
Just for a miracle, you prayed and yearned
But by the time that they found you, you were already gone

The man I saw laying there, still and cold
Dressed in his best uniform, hat neatly placed
The burns on your face were proof,
And yet the truth remains untold.

It kills me to think the fear you must have faced
I still question every detail.
No one's story makes sense
What happened that day?
I really need to know
The way you lost your life and all that suspense
You died a hero, but you still had so much to show

I don't know what to think, as your casket's being lowered
I hear amazing grace and the pastor praise your name
But I just cannot accept
That you've put out your last flame.

Copyright © 2010 Kaitlyn Roberts
When my dad died in 2006, it tore my world to shreds. He'll never hear me sing, which is my dream in life. Rest in peace Daddy & all the other Fallen Heroes.

" Forgotten... It's not that you've forgotten no, it only goes to show that his memory is moving from your heart into your soul; there to be a shining light to guide you on your way, leaving room inside your heart that love might live again."

Written in 2008 by Susan Jaycox --- Illinois
I wrote this for my sister to help her cope with her husband's death.

I am a mother of three children. I had to bury two of my children at very young ages, within two years of each other. My pain is deep, but I found what keeps me going is faith. To know that I provided two beautiful precious angels to god and that the day I cross thru heavens gates my life will be changed. The pain that I carry will be gone and the hugs and kisses that I long for will be everlasting. So every tear that you shed missing them remember that tear represents the hugs and kisses you will rejoice with them.

Written in 2009 by Bernadette Woods --- Alabama
I wrote this from heart to give grieving parents like myself hope.

If tears could build a stairway,
And memories a lane,
I'd walk right up to Heaven
And bring you home again.

Author Unknown
Submitted by M.M., Age 13 --- United Kingdom
My Best friend died when she was 11 in a car crash. I picked this because it is on her grave.

On Monday December 21, 2009 it was a normal day. I went to school at 7:50am and got out at 3:01pm. I always go to my Mem's house after school (Mem is grandmother in French).

I came to her door and unlocked it. She wasn't sitting in her chair watching Judge Judy like she did everyday. I looked back in her room and saw her sleeping. I started to walk back but I didn't hear her snoring. I proceeded to approach her and take her pulse.

My heart dropped, I didn't know what to do. She raised me my whole life and I felt as if the weight of the world was about to push me through the floor. I cried till I couldn't cry any more but then I realized something.

She wouldn't want me to sulk about what happened. She would want me to continue and think of all the good times we had together. I was lucky enough to spend her last month with her and I thank god for that opportunity. I just wish she would come back tomorrow for Christmas. I miss her so much.

Written in 2009 by Chris Lemay
I chose to send this because things can happen at anytime and that you should cherish every moment with your elders. And if you get into fights with your parents or family members, always keep in the back of your head that they could disappear in a heartbeat.

"It's better to cry than to be angry. Anger hurts others, while tears flow silently through the soul and cleanse the heart."

Author Unknown
Submitted by Hina Shehzad --- United Arab Emirates

The Unsung Hero

You are the favored protagonist in the novels I've read
One part villainous, two parts fragile and mysterious - an enigma.
Yours is a journey thousand years in the making
Looking for love in many places but your own
Sail away where you wish to go

I have heard the different names you wrote,
Saw you garbed with your colorful clothes
Silently witnessed the many times you bleed,
Soberly helpless to take cover
Cry if you must and don't conceal your tears

Happy endings are meant for princesses
But for you gypsy eyed nymph, I pray you comfort.
The night is stale and stark
The wind is harsh on your face
Yours are emotions stirred like roaring gales

Parasol, you are a an unassuming powerhouse
Untouched and undefiled
Your mind is a labyrinth unmarked by foreigners...
Come home and be at peace with yourself
The day is too long for you to answer all your queries.

Tonight, revel in the dreams you had when you were young.
Succumb to the womb of the earth
Raise your hands in prayer
And be at the mercy of the gods
They might grant your longings all at once.

Tomorrow, love as if you never knew hurt and hatred
Never look back on yesterday
Brave the great unknown
Walk straight to what they thought of as the clandestine path
I'll be seeing you there... till then...I'll be with you!

Copyright © 2010 Czarina Ortz --- Philippines
For Mere, my strength and my inspiration.

"God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but he did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way."

Author Unknown
Submitted by Shreya G., Age 14 --- India
So true! We do have a lot of sorrows in life but the positive part is that along with that, god has given each one of us our very own inner strengths.

"Some day you will read in the papers that MaryAnn Murphy, of Crownsville, is dead. Don't you believe a word of it! At that moment she shall be more alive than I am now, she shall have gone up higher, that is all; out of this old clay tenement into a house that is immortal - a body that death cannot touch; that sin cannot taint; a body fashioned like His glorious body. She was born of the flesh in 1941, she was born of the Spirit in 2010. That which is born of the flesh may die, that which is born of the Spirit will live forever."

DL Moody (1841)
Submitted by John Murphy --- Maryland
I was presented with this quote and changed it just a bit after losing my mom this past Saturday morning. Grief is a natural emotion, God allowed us to have it to understand how he feels when he not only lost his only son, but when he loses each one of us when we take him out of our lives. Have faith and know that God has a plan for each of us, we cannot wonder why? Mom I miss you but your in the greatest place of all now...P.S. Tell God thank you for me for giving you to me for the last 6 weeks... I love you!

"Death is the beginning of an exciting journey to a wonderful new place. By being sad about losing a loved one is actually an act of selfishness for not wanting to lose them. Really one should be happy, for their loved one is going to an infinitely better place."

Author Unknown
Submitted by Tomara Elisha --- Australia
This really helped ease the fears I have around losing a loved one; not that I fear death itself but rather the pain and sorrow of never seeing them again. This brought me a lot of comfort and helped me get past a deeply routed fear which was crippling for me. I hope it may help others and change their perspective as it did mine.

Here's a poem that has comforted me in the sudden loss of my husband.

He is Gone

You can shed tears that he is gone,
Or you can smile because he lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared,
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on,
You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what he would want:
Smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.

Author Unknown
Submitted by Dorothy M. --- North Carolina

My First Christmas In Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like heavens stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can't compare
With the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description, to hear the angles sing.

I know how much you miss me; I see the pain in your heart,
But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear.
And be glad I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious then pure gold,
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as my father said to do.
For I can't count the blessings or love he has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

Written in 1997 by Ben
Submitted by Vicki Slater --- Idaho
My brother, my best friend, died September 17th 2009 and I miss him so much. Being that close to Christmas, the funeral chapel had invited us to a service for people that had lost a love one within the past 3 months, to comfort those of us that are dealing with the loss at such a family oriented occasion. They read this poem out loud and I just lost it. The poem was written by a young boy, 13 years of age, to comfort his mother. He knew he was dying and would be gone by Christmas. I want to share it with all.

This is a poem I wrote for my grieving girlfriend who lost her brother. I felt so bad for her and felt so helpless; I needed to show her how much I loved her.

Furtherance

I heard you had a broken heart,
Torn beyond repair,
I'd love to try, but where to start?
To rid you of despair.
I wish I could bring him back to you,
Your brother in your arms,
I wish I could turn back time for you
And protect him from future harm.
I do have a spool of thread made of love,
That I could use to mend your heart,
It comes from a special place made of love
Your place in my heart.
So I will simply continue to do what I do
Protect you from harm,
With all my heart I'll keep loving you,
Holding you forever in my arms...

Copyright © 2010 Michael Craig Rizzo
Michael lives in Australia and is an amateur poet michaelcrizzo@yahoo.com.au