ST. ANDREW
LOSS: GRIEF AND HARD TIMES
Our eyes cannot see what lies Beyond. Our eyes are veiled with tears. -"Beyond" by Mary Olivia Patiño
Grief is like a two-edge sword. Losing a loved one is painful. We cry and shake with sorrow because we will no longer 'visit with them, or just pick up the phone' to chat or 'catch-up'. No longer shall we hear their voices or see their smiles or share laughter.
Did I take these moments for granted? We might wonder.
Then, briefly and mercifully, memories wipe away our tears. How she/he sparkled with humor! How much we enjoyed recalling shared childhood or other experiences. Sharing stories of our kids, dogs and cats. Remembering our parents or children who passed on before us. Those times in the garden, marveling over plumeria, oleanders, roses, peach and citrus trees. Posing before the giant plumeria for photos. To be cherished even more now.
Yes, grief cuts deeply into our souls.
We remember too that grief comes from various 'hard/difficult' times of 'loss'. We might be grieving a loved one's illness. That person who once welcomed us with a familiar voice can no longer speak. The vocal chords are damaged. He/she can no longer open the door to welcome us or stand unaided. Illness has forever limited physical movement. We do all we can to be their voice, their steps, their caregiver...to feed them pureed food in hopes they can swallow even a tiny portion. To attend to so many of their physical needs.
For Reflection: How does the Lord share in our grief?
To read "Beyond" and uplifting poems about Eternal Life and other life passages, please copy or click on link below.
#Faith #Grief #Health #Spirituality #Life #Caregivers #Caregiving #Stories #Memories #Mentalhealth #Positivethinking
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About the Author
Mary Olivia Patiño is a writer and poet. She enjoys photography and integrates it into creative design, and in her published books. For several years, she facilitated a faith-based writing group which she formed in collaboration with parishioners.
A lay person, she reflects on her past ministry and day-to-day experiences where she encounters God's presence, She is an Oblate of the Order of St. Benedict with the Benedictine Sisters of St. Scholastica. She is a graduate of the Oblate School of Theology and of Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.
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