GRIEF ……
The cycle from birth to death . The beginning and the end . The familiar and the strange . The thoughts and the words . The known and the unknown . The isolation and the reaching out . The present and the past.
GRIEF…….
And they tell me that life goes on . That time will help. That grief is fleeting . That memories last . That this is a rite of passage . That Heaven waits .
GRIEF……..
Just one more hello . Just one more talk . Just one more hug. Just one more prayer . Just one more tiff . Just one more laugh . Just one more touch . Just one more minute . Just one more tomorrow . Just one more expectation . Just one more together, alone.
GRIEF…….
Isolation . Memories . Regrets . Faith . Heartache . Happiness . Guilt . Love .
———————-
He was my high school sweetheart…..
He was my groom…..
He was the father of our children and the grandfather of six , plus two……….
He was the ” wind beneath my wings ” …..
He was the “fixer” and the ” make it all right “……
He was my friend, my lover, and my protector…..
He was the steady, the church leader, the quiet helper, the “go-to” person….
He was my forever dance partner….
He was my anchor…………
He was my hand-holder , my hugger, my ” pat on the fanny ” man….
HE WAS THE ONLY MAN I EVER LOVED…….
And now he’s gone. And all the definitions and faith and kind words and explanations and scripture and compassion and homilies won’t bring him back.
And that, my friends, is what grief is.
Wow.
God bless you.
Thank you…..
Love you dearly, dear friend. Wish I could be there with you, and I know that I dread being the one in your shoes. You two had a special love and I remember being there in the beginning. You are strong, even stronger than you know, what a beautiful family you made together!
And I love you dearly, too. You were with me in spirit through those last terrible weeks, and I felt every bit of your caring and concern. How many times since we were young teens did I cry on your shoulder about Byron ???? Those were the days. Loving you from Lavonia………
Beautiful words! You are in my prayers daily, love you my friend!
Thank you having always been there for me, through thick and thin, through the good and the bad, through sunshine and rain. You are truly special and always a bright star in the darkness.
Being human, we can’t help wanting one more thing, like for Papa Ted to see Jack at Ga. Tech, and for Adam to see Patrick settled in an apartment and with a good job in Macon. And you, for more time to be with the true love of your life. Sometimes I get angry, and think of George Carlin’s quote, “If this is the resume of a supreme being, I am not impressed!” But then, I bow to the inevitability of death for us all….
“Grief is love looking for a place to settle.” Will it ever find that place? Love you, Diane, and you are in my thoughts quite constantly these days.
You’ve said all, reminding me of some of our talks in my office at FCHS. Some were happy talks and some were sad, but they were always meaningful. Thank you for bringing that forward during my healing moments. You understand. You’ve been there too many times. Love you………….
Sending prayers of peace and joy. Although joy seems a little out of reach at the moment, laughing at the good memories while still living, will help heal the soul. 🫶🏻
Thank you.
BEAUTIFUL
Thank you.
Thinking of you and praying for you. Hope you are well. Love, hugs and prayers coming your way. ❤️ Jimmy & Carla 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️
Thank you.
Your peace and happiness comes from knowing and being thankful for what was. You know and Expressed it so beautiful. Think of you often prayers go up.
Thank you, Don….
This was so beautiful. You have a beautiful way of sharing your heart. I always loved seeing you together especially the way you two danced. The love in your eyes and the way he held you was a true testament of your devotion to each other. I pray many young couples watched and realized you two were examples of a beautiful marriage and amazing love story. I will pray everyday for peace and comfort as you navigate through your grief my precious friend. Love you, Buena
So sweet. Thank you for helping me remember the good times. Harry and Jeff came to see me after Byron died, and Harry reminded me that he had to separate Byron and me when we danced ! It was an ongoing joke…….. Staying married for 65 years takes a lot of stamina and forgiving. I rejoice that we survived. We didn’t like each other some of the time, but we never stopped loving. I am grateful for our friendship, Buena, and your kind words will not be forgotten.
Well described Diane. Grief becomes a companion that even after many years rears up at the smell of a flower, or that special song that we danced to back in the 50ies; or the look alike grandson that brings back the young man when you were just married and so many more that come every day. Sometimes those memories are welcome – sometimes they hurt unbearably but always those memories remind me how very much we loved.
Beautifully said. And you know so well. I’m still in a vacuum, insulated. Time will change that, of course. Thank you for sharing your sad journey with me.
Diane, may God wrap you in his loving arms and give you peace. This is no easy task, I watched my dad as he tried to process his grief after losing my mom. There really no words. It’s your journey and everyone walks it differently. May you feel God’s presence as you walk along.
So well said. I seem to be in a vacuum, insulated. That will change , of course, as time goes by. We had 65 years which is many more than a lot of couples have. I thank God for that. He had a rough last few weeks, so death was a blessing for him—–but heartbreak for me. Thank you for your gentle words. Praying for you and Reggie as you make your tough journey. Loving you both from Lavonia……….
Visiting Byron after Harold’s passing was a gift that my father, Rick, and I cherished more than words can express. I wish we could be there for you now in the same way. My heart is with you in this difficult time.
You and the other Byron and Rick are here for us in spirit. And it was a blessing for you to visit while Byron still knew you and enjoyed you. Harold would be so happy that distance does not separate us , but rather makes us appreciate family even from afar. Loving you from Lavonia and holding you close to my heart.
Beautiful. And I know that we are coming closer and closer to this time in our life. Blessings to you!! 🙏❤️if typos here please excuse. Print so light I cannot read.
Thank you. Our last few weeks were so rough that this was a blessing for him——–but heartbreak for me. I hope you and David simply keep on singin’ .
You have expressed what grief is so very well that it could have only come after much thoughtful examination of your feelings. In the coming weeks and months you will find how deeply right you are in your expressions. And you will know that you miss Byron more, as time passes, than less. And only those who have lost a spouse that they have spent their entire lifetime with can really understand what you have written about that special person. I pray for your continuing comfort and peace. But the love of family and friends is what will give you the support that you will require.
Thank you for your sweet message. Grief responds to many things, among them , but not limited to , family, friends, and faith. You have said it so well, and I am forever grateful for the time that our paths crossed at WBHS—–back in the day. My memories of those days are precious, and those included my Byron and his presence, support and love. Thank you caring and staying in touch. And thank you for writing what I am feeling.
Love you!
Love you more…….
Warm….Beautiful…Touching words….From a beautiful soul……He will be missed.
Love to all
From the heart. I miss him. Thank you for your kind words. Loving you from Lavonia………..
Sending you love and hugs and hoping that your grief will ease.
Loving you from Lavonia………
Thank you.