Grief -

Grief

I didn't know a heart could die
before it stopped beating.
I didn't know a life could cease
before it stopped breathing.

I didn't know how devastation
could wend a living soul
I didn't know how death could make
one lose all self control.

I didn't know the pain of loss
was so intense and sharp.
I didn't know the depth of void
death leaves within the heart.

I didn't know how often tears
would redden hurting eyes.
I didn't know how hard it was
to say one's last good-bye's.

I didn't know that pain would come
and go as it well pleased.
I didn't know that joy is scarce
to those who are bereaved.

I didn't know that time would stop
and meaning cease to be.
I didn't know that friends would pray
but shy away from me.

I didn't know how difficult
to get the whole night through.
I didn't know the strength it took
for simple tasks to do.

I didn't know that as time pass
slowly, the pain subsides.
I didn't know what I thought was lost
still in my heart resides.

Now I know a little spark,
somehow in me remained.
Now I know that someway,
my life will be sustained.

Now I know the feelings felt,
were all a part of grief.
Now I know how fervent prayer
helped me to find relief.

So rest assured my unknown friends,
though healing comes real slow.
It actually does get better
for now, I truly know.

Yes I survived my loved one death
that occurred this time last year.
I feel the loss and always will
but the pain's much less severe.

Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. http://www.clergyservices4u.org She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances: Homilies that Teach. Her new book, Out of Deep Waters: A Grief Healing Workbook, will be available soon.

In The News:

Tampa Tribune
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MyWebTimes.com, IL - 2 hours ago
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Annapolis Capital
When your furry friend is gone …
Annapolis Capital, MD - Aug 27, 2008
... overcome the loss of a pet. The grieving, she says, is just as intense, real and painful as losing a human friend. "In all honesty, grief is grief. ...

Red Cross (press release)
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Malaysia Star, Malaysia - 16 hours ago
"Dr. Dre is mourning the loss of his son Andre Young Jr. Please respect his family's grief and privacy at this time," a spokesman said.
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Mirror, MI - 7 hours ago
For information about other age and loss specific grief support groups offered by New Hope Center for Grief Support call (248) 348-0115. ...

Grieving support
Denton Record Chronicle, TX - 5 hours ago
Ann’s Haven Visiting Nurses Association is offering a five-session support group for adults who are grieving the loss of a loved one. ...

Program addresses grief in the workplace
Hannibal.net, MO - 15 hours ago
... “Grief in the Workplace: Holding On and Letting Go” will help health care participants focus on ways to experience and work through loss and grief and ...
First Friday Program unites care givers, doctor Hannibal.net
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Grief

Dealing with Grief & Loss