"I do not believe that sheer suffering teaches. If suffering alone taught, all the world would be wise, since everyone suffers. To suffering must be added mourning, understanding, patience, love, openness and willingness to remain vulnerable."
-- Anne Morrow Lindbergh
"We must kick the darkness 'til it bleeds daylight."
-- Bruce Cochburn, from the song, "Lovers in a Dangerous Time"
"Grief fills the room up of my absent chld,
Lies in his bed, walks up and down with me,
Puts on his pretty looks, repeats his words,
Remembers me of all his gracious parts,
Stuffs on his vacant garments with his form:
Then have a reason to be fond of grief."
-- William Shakespeare, King John
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit"
--Psalm 34:18
"We must kick the darkness 'til it bleeds daylight."
-- Bruce Cochburn, from the song, "Lovers in a Dangerous Time"
"Grief fills the room up of my absent chld,
Lies in his bed, walks up and down with me,
Puts on his pretty looks, repeats his words,
Remembers me of all his gracious parts,
Stuffs on his vacant garments with his form:
Then have a reason to be fond of grief."
-- William Shakespeare, King John
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit"
--Psalm 34:18
Love you Anna.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful...know that so many are walking by your side trying to hold you up.
ReplyDeleteHe is.
ReplyDeleteHad dreams of your whole family last night again. You all are never far from any of our thoughts and prayers, awake or asleep. You are all loved.
ReplyDeletePraying for you fiercely today.
“Even if you cannot always see that silver lining on your clouds, God can, for He is the very source of the light you seek. He does love you, and He knows your fears. He hears your prayers. He is your Heavenly Father, and surely He matches with His own the tears His children shed.” --Jeffrey R. Holland
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear about Tim & Mag's ski trip. I sure hope someone takes their picture for you to post.
ReplyDeletePlease, please tell us about the bird! He is darling!
xoxo, Michelle
I woke up this morning with a tear falling down my cheek. The tear was for you Anna, your family and your unfathomable loss. My husband said I should stop reading your blog because it makes me too sad. I immediately came back with I can't (and won't).
ReplyDeleteShe needs me (us). She needs to know that Jack will not be forgotten and his precious life means something. AND IT DOES. Thinking and praying all the time AND NOT GOING AWAY.
I, too, am super curious about the bird. And continue to pray for you, Jack, and your whole family. Praying for more signs and that you are not alone while your husband and daughter are away. Always in my thoughts, and never forgetting your beautiful boy.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, soul stirring quotes.
ReplyDeletePrayers and hugs.
Rach
"If He brought you to it, He will bring you through it."
ReplyDeleteLove and miss your rare bird.
Like Leslie, I had a dream about your family last night, too. So real. Your Jack was there. Looking forward to hearing about that bird.
ReplyDeleteDeath is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room. I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone; wear no false air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. ...I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near just around the corner. All is well. —Henry Scott Holland, English clergyman and theologian
ReplyDeleteSomeone posted this on my blog and I thought it was so beautiful
I am a friend of a friend, whose's son went to school with Jack. We have never met, yet I feel like I know you well. Please know MANY people far and wide think about Jack daily. Here's a poem I heard that made me think of you...it's a good one!
ReplyDelete“He Maketh No Mistake”
-A. M. Overton
My Father’s way may twist and turn,
My heart may throb and ache,
But in my soul I’m glad I know,
He maketh no mistake.
My cherished plan may go astray,
My hopes may fade away,
But still I’ll trust in my Lord to lead,
For He doth know the way.
Tho’ night be dark and it may seem,
That day will never break,
I’ll pin my faith, my all in Him,
He maketh no mistake.
There’s so much now I cannot see,
My eyesight far too dim,
But come what may, I’ll simply trust
And leave it all to Him.
For by and by the mist will lift,
And plain it all He’ll make.
Through all the way, tho’ dark to me,
He made not one mistake.
Beautiful quotes, beautiful Anna. Love, prayers, hugs as you want them...
ReplyDeleteLove Anne Morrow Lindbergh. That quote from King John is kind of killing me. Can't wait to hear about the bird.
ReplyDeleteI especially like the one by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. ((HUGS))
ReplyDelete"What is there to do when people die, people so dear and rare, but bring them back by remembering" - May Sarton
ReplyDeleteI often read quotes or Scripture that remind me of you, but I hesitate to share them because I know ultimately they won't give you what you most desire. I am so glad you shared these with us though. I love Bruce Cochburn's that you listed. I have been praying for you Isaiah 61:3 "...He will bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
ReplyDeleteHugs & prayers...still.
ReplyDeleteLove love love!!! And many daily prayers from my little ones and myself. Abrazos (hugs) and positive thoughts being sent your family's way.
ReplyDeleteUry
Seattle, WA
The suspense, Anna... the bird! I have to know! LOL :)
ReplyDeleteHugs to you...
What great quotes...big hug for you.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to stories about your little bird friend.
Thank you for sharing these beautiful quotes. I love Anne Morrow Lindbergh. xo
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing those quotes. And thanks to Geri for sharing the lovely May Sarton quote.
ReplyDeleteThat Shakespeare is really getting to me.
Thinking of you and sending prayers,
Love,
Claire
I like this, especially about kicking darkness til it bleeds daylight.
ReplyDeleteTHe comfort, solace, and power of words.
ReplyDeleteWe speak them, feel them, groan them. People give them back to us, they listen to them.
We would be lost without that communication that tells us, I HEAR YOU.
I HEAR YOU.
Love always. xo
Last night I read a book review for "In Lieu of Flowers: A Conversation For The Living" by Nancy Cobb.
ReplyDeleteShe said this...."The dying offer the living a final chance to be the best they can be."
I love that you shared these quotes. I have a notebook full of wise words that I have written down over the years and pull out often to peruse. Words help. Enormously at times.
I've always loved that line from Bruce Cochburn. Brilliant and true.
ReplyDeletebird! bird!
ReplyDeletePrincess Kate,
ReplyDeleteSame here:(
Michelle
Please do tell us about that little bird, Anna.
ReplyDeletelove,
jbhat
Wow! These were beautiful. They made me cry. I'm thinking of you always and wishing you peace. -Annie P.
ReplyDelete