Thursday, February 17, 2011

How Does Someone Go On?

Flooding with emotions and thoughts of sadness, my brain is running rampant and full of questions…as life continues forward. These have been days of heavy grief and deep sorrow as I watched a family of friends mourn and let go.

I saw tears. I saw weeping. I heard sniffles. I heard words of consolation. Sorrow. Heartache. There was despondency and lots of shock. Food was brought and shared... that’s what we do in the south when mere words are never quite right. Hugs…lots of tight embraces... when there is no need for words. Food. Lots of food…it’s what we do, like comfort can be found there.

Grown men cry while wearing a look of trepidation as they wait to carry their friend with respect. The church is full, standing room only. I heard the words as Beulah Land was sang and a vision danced in my head. Tissues were passed. The lump in my throat continued to swell, as I looked for something to fan myself with…saying to myself… "don’t lock your knees or you will pass out" and wondering "why do heels hurt your feet so much from standing so long".  Heads were hung in sadness and sorry.
Co-op employees looked like tin soldiers dressed alike with their hats in hand as they lined the walls down the inside of the church.

You cry, I cry with you. You grieve, my heart aches for you. You are lost and now lonely, my heart aches for you. The sun continues to shine…life as you know it is different yet still it goes on the same. Different as the world is less one person now, one soul, one friend, one husband, one dad, one granddad…one…

Words were spoken, verses were quoted, and music flowed around the words of Amazing Grace as it was offered up.  Flowers gave the look of a full spring. The sun was high and bright and warm as a gentle cool February breeze touched my heart and dried my tears. I looked toward the sun to heaven. A prayer was spoken and heard.

The church pew where we all sit each Sunday, will never be the same again...

Old friends, that time had separated, were seen again. Hands were held, support was given in some small way.  More hugs… Times were reminisced and collected to enjoy again. There were questions with no answers. There was a quick thought of "what do we do now?"  We will go on... but how does a son continue without his dad beside him on the farm…How does he watch his little newborn daughter grow without ever knowing her Granddad? How does a daughter go on without the love of knowing that her Dad was always there…How does a young grandson continue to grow up without him anymore? How does a wife, whom he had know since they were 15, go on? Their empty house is too quiet especially at night….at bedtime. 

How?

How can anyone go on without knowing that peace that comes without understanding? That peace and comfort that only Jesus can offer…How can anyone go on without HIM?   HE, is how you go on… This family will go on.


Death is not partial to the friends he makes.
Jesus is not partial either;
He wants all of us as His friend…for eternity.

 May you find that peace,
Cora

 

25 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry Cora!

grammy and papi said...

Thank you for sharing your heart. Only with God's help can we go on.

Have a God Filled Day
Shirley

Mandy said...

So sorry for the loss of this dear person.

You've written a beautiful tribute and I pray that someone may find that peace that passes understanding because of your post.

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

Ooh Cora~healing is a slow process... only made possible by those who embrace you in their love and support, giving a place of solace.

Sweet wishes my friend,
Sara

Anonymous said...

Wonderful words, Cora. Truly "heartfelt". I'm so sad. I'm glad you are my friend!

Brenda Peters

Anonymous said...

Beautiful words...beautiful heart. I know both will comfort your friend in some way.

Diane Beck

Julie Harward said...

I know and understand all of this too. I had two brothers pass away from cancer, one would have been 50 the day of his funeral and the other 53. I know where they have gone on to and that they are filled will peace and great joy..but I miss them still. I do know that families can be together forever and I do look forward to that day when their strong arms hold me tight again. Sending my love. :D

Christine said...

Cora, I feel that same lump in my throat and tears welling...Our only comfort is in Him - a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Hugs and prayers
Christine

Anonymous said...

Beautiful Cora, I have thought of them all so much. Jesus is the only way they can go on. Church will never be the same again.

Shari Harris

Sandra Lundy said...

Beautiful words from such a beautiful heart. {hugs}

Nancy said...

Beautiful and heartfelt words for your special friend......She is blessed that she knows the way who will carry her through.......

Hugs

Unknown said...

Such heartfelt words truly spoken from deep within your soul. I do not know who you are speaking about but I do know this much...they are blessed to have you in their lives. 16 years ago, we lost our 14 year old son...these are the same feelings I had deep within me, I just couldn't speak or put them down in writing, but they were there. I miss him so much...every single day. But our God has helped me to heal and to keep my faith...without that, I don't think I would be here today. And the legacy lives on...my son and his wife are expecting our first grandchild next week..and his name will be Joshua...just as our 1st born...what a blessing for all of us.

Anonymous said...

goodbyes are never easy, and through your beautiful writing, you've captured the essence of the emotion well. hugs and prayers, my friend.

Hopes Handcrafts said...

Because of HIM we can face tomorrow
(((hugs))) Julia, in New Zealand

Char said...

beacause this day he is with him in paradise.

so sorry for your loss

Cindy said...

Cora, Your words have moved me, and from experience I somehow know that yes the family will go on. You are in my thoughts and prayers, so very sorry .big hug. Life is so very precious.

sybil kelley said...

This is beautiful and so true. He will be missed by so many people. You know as well as I that many prayers will sustain family and friends in the days to come.

Cindy said...

Cora you are so right..without Jesus I don't know how people do it.
Cora I hear in your words your tremendous heartache..I read your words and it is if I was there.Your words are so heavy with grief..I am sooo sorry for the loss.
I will lift you up in my prayers and for this family also.Just keep your eyes on our Healing and Loving Father..and He will give you the words of comfort for them and for you.

Hugs and loving..Cindy

Tracy said...

Your tender words have touched my heart. Know that our Father in heaven knows you and your friends and is aware of their needs.

{{hugs}} to you all!

Anonymous said...

He will truly be missed by all that knew him. I love your article!!! Your words are always so special...this really touched my heart...you just have a special way with all that you do!!! So proud to call you a friend.

Debbie Powell

hjn said...

Oh sweet Cora-I am so very very sorry for your loss. I will pray for you and all of the people who were touched by this man's life. I will pray that your angels cover you in a blanket of God's unconditional love.
Blessings to you my friend.
holli

Sewn With Grace said...

Praying for you, sweet Cora. God is right there.

Dianne said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Your words are so touching and I can tell they come from your heart. I am glad that we have the peace of mind that comes from knowing we will see friends and loved ones again one day!

Angie Berry ~ Berry Homespun Primitives said...

Through Him is the only way we can continue on. Your words were so heartfelt that my heart aches for this family. I felt like I was there with you grieving and offering tight embraces. So very sorry Cora.

christina said...

i send you love and hugs, my friend.
i am thinking of you~