A Blessed Hope

None of us had returned to Mother's grave since her burial.

It seemed a good idea to suggest that we remember the day of her passing

by visiting the cemetery on the anniversary of her death a year ago.

He agreed.

He walked a few steps from the car and immediately dropped to his knee

(no small feat given his stiff and crippled knee).

His words, though vocal, were private.

His thoughts?  I have no idea.

All I know was that after the tears, he was SO thankful we had suggested this trip.

We finished the evening pleasantly around the table at a nearby - and familiar - restaurant.

My sister, husband and I were privileged and blessed to have shared this

unique and quiet moment.

 But we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about those who have died, 

so that you may not grieve like other people who have no hope.  

 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again,

we also believe that when Jesus returns,

God will bring back with him the believers who have died.
(I Thessalonians 4:13-14)

Free Verse

 
 There is a grief that begins imperceptibly

and builds so slowly it could easily be ignored

were it not for occasional 
unpredictable and uncontrollable breakouts.

Such grief as this extends long, expands widely,

and anticipates an end where other griefs begin.

rlg, 8/13/2015

Yes, I am grieving.  It doesn't matter grief's source.  Grief is grief, I believe, though its types may vary.  Today, sitting by her bed, I tried to describe mine.  On paper.  This (above) is the best I can do for now.

"Sorrow and grief drive you into God 

and show you resources you never had and never knew you needed." 

 (Tim Keller, Twitter)