For a Parent on the Death of a Child
No one knows the wonder
Your child awoke in you,
Your heart a perfect cradle
To hold its presence.
Inside and outside became one
As new waves of love
Kept surprising your soul.
Now you sit bereft
Inside a nightmare,
Your eyes numbed
By the sight of a grave
No parent should ever see.
You will wear this absence
Like a secret locket,
Always wondering why
Such a new soul
Was taken home to soon.
Let the silent tears flow
And when your eyes clear
Perhaps you will glimpse
How your eternal child
Has become the unseen angel
Who parents your heart
And persuades the moon
to send new gifts ashore.
Written by John O’Donohue and published in “To Bless the Space Between Us: A Book of Blessings”
Thank you, Jack, for all the gifts you have given me in life and in death. Loving you is an honor. I choose joy every day, and I bet that makes you proud.
XOXO,
Mom
42 comments:
Beautiful. Remembering your family always. Honoring Jack forever.
Abiding with you and your family on this day.
<3
Thinking of you on this day Anna and always. Wishing you peace. As tears come to my eyes reading this, we know Jack is so very proud of you. You groovy, amazing mom that you are!! :) Prayers and comfort wished upon you today. May Andrew give you several smiles and giggles to warm your heart.
Sending so much love Anna!
Beautiful. So much love to you, Anna.
Thinking of you and Jack today. Sending love and light.
Praying for you all ❤️
Forever in your hearts
My heart is with you, Anna - especially today. I found this quote that really speaks to me about the loss of my own son:
"I loved the boy with the utmost love of which my soul is capable, and he is taken from me - yet in the agony of my spirit in surrendering such a treasure, I feel a thousand times richer than if I had never possessed it." Wm Wordsworth
Wishing you strength and peace on this difficult day. xoxo
I saw a blue ribbon that was tied around a tree for some reason at my Jack's school a couple of days ago and I thought of your Jack. He has touched so many, as have you. He is always remembered. My love to you today and every day.
Sending love and prayers to you. Thanks for sharing this beautiful poem.
You are always in my heart. I'm always thinking about your heart. May God hold you close today and always. Thank you for sharing your poem. ((Hugs))
Dearest Anna,
I have been thinking of you nonstop this morning. The poem by John O'Donohue is so fitting and beautiful. Sending love, hugs and blessings to you - every day and especially today.
Love of love,
Claire
Jack will never, ever be forgotten. I hope that brings you at least a little bit of comfort. xoxo
Remembering Jack today. Sending love to you and your beautiful family. XO, NoVa Mom Jen
You remind me to always choose joy. Thank you and much love to you. Ellen
I'll bet he's proud too. Beyond measure.
Like your love.
Thinking of you and praying for you today dear friend, in the joy and the sorrow. I love that you choose joy every day... it reminds me to do the same.
Sending love and prayers your way! xo
I woke up early this morning thinking of your Jack. I hold you both close in my heart and send my love and prayers to you and your family today and always.
God bless you and your family. Beautiful poem. He's proud of you. We all are.
Let so many of us, say his name and hold his spirit in our hearts. Jack, we love you.
Remembering you & your family on this crapeversiary. I pray for you often...my son (my only child) is the same age as your Jack. Holding you in prayer.
Much love and prayers from another Jack's mom in Canada. Your Jack will always be remembered.
Janet
"The unseen angel who parents your heart." Coming up to the fourth anniversary of my daughter's death, this resonates with me. I watched Nick Cave's new movie last night, shot within months of his son's death. I could relate to so much of what he was saying, but glad I am not in that place any more where nothing makes sense and the narrative of your life is ripped away.
Sending more prayers and love your way during September <3
I've never commented before (that I can remember), but your strength, grace, and humor inspire me every time I read. Jack is beaming with pride in heaven..
beautiful boy. thinking of you xx
Many blessings to you and your family.
Thank you for sharing your Jack with us. What a beautiful boy.
Tim, Anna, Margaret and Andrew
Thinking of you all today and sending love and prayers your way. We will never forget Jack.
Your camping buddies - The Dericos
Much love to all of you and your sweet Jack.
❤️ Prayers for you and your family tonight.
Thank you, Anna. I remember Jack today, and I am hold you, Tim, Margaret, and Andrew close to my heart. Sending you love and comfort from Seattle.
God bless you and yours today Anna. Jack was such a beautiful boy.
Sending much love to you and your beautiful family.
Beautiful. Sending love and prayers.
Well, I found your blog today. Prayers for you. There are no words. I'm so sorry.
Jack was such a special young man. I am so sorry that you didn't get to see him grown into adulthood. It is such a pain to think about what he might be like today. A life partially lived is just so sad. Blessings to you- I think of you often. xo Diana
Sending prayers and strength.
I love books and read voraciously, and I can't remember when a book has touched me as deeply as this. I came straight to your blog after devouring Rare Bird yesterday, to find out more about this amazing child and his mother. I'm a teacher, and the bright, quirky kids like Jack live within me forever, as Jack will now. You have brought him to life in a most powerful way, Anna.
I love books and read voraciously, and I can't remember when a book has touched me as deeply as this. I came straight to your blog after devouring Rare Bird yesterday, to find out more about this amazing child and his mother. I'm a teacher, and the bright, quirky kids like Jack live within me forever, as Jack will now. You have brought him to life in a most powerful way, Anna.
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