I've not been on this site for a while so apologies if my 'catch-up' entries appear inconsistent in style and subject-matter.

In witnessing and subsequently processing my Mum’s, passing last year the easiest way that I found, I could cope was to write the following; one message from me to her and another that I imagined (knowing her as I did) that she might have sent to her three children, in reply;

This  provided some comfort at the time and I sincerely hope that it may go a little way in doing the same for anyone who may go through something similar... either now or in the future.   John

 

‘Passing’ Thoughts

 

To my Mum:

Thank you for your loving heart.

You gave me breath and, from the start

you nurtured me. You made me strong.

You loved me; taught me right from wrong.

 

You comforted, whenever needed.

Shared your pride when I succeeded.

Words can never quite convey

the loss I feel, for you, today.

 

I know that grief’s a selfish act.

There’s no escaping from the fact

that you’ll have gone: no longer ‘be’.

Such pain; such stark ‘Finality’.

 

Yet, ‘though my grieving must be faced: 

that ‘aching-space’ that you, once graced

 one comfort is, you’ll always be

an everlasting part of me.

 

To my Children:

I may have left but please don't cry.

Death is not our last ‘goodbye’.

I am still ‘woven’ into you.

I’ll share your joys - and troubles too.

 

A ‘mother’s love’ lives on, it seems.

For I will visit, in your dreams.

Find comfort, that I’ll never age

when I’m ‘appearing on your stage’.

 

I’m now at rest. My pain has gone.

Accept, my ‘Earthly-role’ is done.

Be happy, now my spirit’s free.

Escaping ‘physicality’.

 

So, when a breeze caresses trees

or ruffles fields, remember, please

that we shall never be apart.

I’ll live forever, in your heart.