 Grief is a natural response with the death or loss of someone you love. As originally identified by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, there are five stages to the grief process: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. As a nurse, I understand this process from many a text book. As a writer, I will translate theory into poetic expression...
 Henry Van Dyke, American author, 1852-1933I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side, spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone." Gone where? Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast, hull and spar as she was when she left my side. And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port. Her diminished size is in me -- not in her. And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone," there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!" And that is dying... Hoping that one of my faithful readers and dearest friends will find some comfort in Henry Van Dyke’s timeless, healing words about death and dying. Sending you love and hugs across the miles and sharing a couple songs with you, dear P… ShoutOutsUntil next week, wishing you peace and love,
mar
18 Comments
Sweet Maria. What a powerful post. I love your rendition of poetry to illustrate one of life's most difficult processes. I grew up in a nursing home and death was a constant "presence." It hurt when someone you cared about left this earth. As a nurse, I'm sure you've seen it all. But, I love your poetry and the videos you shared and the book, too. Sending you big hugs! xoxo Thank you for this beautiful poetic analogy to the ship along the horizon. That's an incredible way to look at loss. I do know the emotions of losing someone go through these phases of disbelief and anger, false hope for a cure, denial and the rest before acceptance finally sets in. Sometimes it's overwhelming, and then a small sign appears to let you know your loved one is still with you in spirit. I so love your post today and the beautiful songs that you included. Much love, hugs and thanks for being there. Peg
Mike
7/26/2017 09:51:03 am
You have to hand it to Henry Van Dyke, what an excellent way of describing what happens when a friend sails away. Thank you for such this, it is a great addition to your mar's desk. Both of us seem to be thinking about our mutual friend this week. 7/26/2017 09:59:36 am
Sweet Sis, I loved the poetry. I feel as though there is another stage of the grief process that hits most, in addition to those presented. Fear. Death brings this to all as those grieving are reminded of their own mortality. The common "I'm ready to go and have no fear" phrase so many present may be concerning their spiritual journey, but the realization that we are not immortal and could go at any time presents one with human worries. "What will they do without me", "Who will take care of them", etc. smacks us all in the face when we see or hear of a person passing. Perhaps, this could be part of the Acceptance phase, but is it truly ever accepted, or do we just pretend it is? Is a person ever really "Ready to go", or if given the chance, would they ask for a few more days to get things straight, and then a few more? Just some thoughts from your Bro.
Thank you for this reflective comment, dear Rich.
Dear Mar
Shannon
7/27/2017 03:07:12 pm
Hi Maria, 7/29/2017 10:19:22 am
Prof. Mahreer, 7/29/2017 02:36:39 pm
Dear Maria, 8/4/2017 09:19:22 pm
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