Grief

I didn't know a heart could die
before it stopped beating.
I didn't know a life could cease
before it stopped breathing.

I didn't know how devastation
could wend a living soul
I didn't know how death could make
one lose all self control.

I didn't know the pain of loss
was so intense and sharp.
I didn't know the depth of void
death leaves within the heart.

I didn't know how often tears
would redden hurting eyes.
I didn't know how hard it was
to say one's last good-bye's.

I didn't know that pain would come
and go as it well pleased.
I didn't know that joy is scarce
to those who are bereaved.

I didn't know that time would stop
and meaning cease to be.
I didn't know that friends would pray
but shy away from me.

I didn't know how difficult
to get the whole night through.
I didn't know the strength it took
for simple tasks to do.

I didn't know that as time pass
slowly, the pain subsides.
I didn't know what I thought was lost
still in my heart resides.

Now I know a little spark,
somehow in me remained.
Now I know that someway,
my life will be sustained.

Now I know the feelings felt,
were all a part of grief.
Now I know how fervent prayer
helped me to find relief.

So rest assured my unknown friends,
though healing comes real slow.
It actually does get better
for now, I truly know.

Yes I survived my loved one death
that occurred this time last year.
I feel the loss and always will
but the pain's much less severe.

Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. http://www.clergyservices4u.org She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances: Homilies that Teach. Her new book, Out of Deep Waters: A Grief Healing Workbook, will be available soon.

Coping with Grief - Its Called Living Through It

"Dad, I tried to wake Nana, I think she's dead."... Read More

Anticipatory Grief and Ongoing Sadness for Caregivers

In 1969, Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross published her famous book; On... Read More

Suicide in the Church Part 1

Recently, several suicides have occurred right here in my own... Read More

Tenderizing

Recently, the magazine I own and edit got a hate... Read More

Grief Support: The Dos

Helpers often ask questions such as: "What should I do?... Read More

When Change Comes (Dealing With Grief and Loss)

Needless to say, the time after loss is volatile and... Read More

Angelo Dies

Angelo C, was a good man that never did any... Read More

Good Grief!

If tears are an indication of how special my relationship... Read More

The Valley of Sorrow or My Life as a Well Digger

It felt like I had been run over by a... Read More

Whens Sarah Coming Home? Helping Your Child Understand Death

For most children, their first experience with grief comes with... Read More

Grief Masks

October makes me think of Halloween, and Halloween makes me... Read More

Dealing With Tragedies (The 9/11 Tragedy)

September 11, 2001, marked yet another significant turning point in... Read More

Online Monument ? An Ever-lasting Tribute to Your Departed Loved Ones

Memories are never to be buried along with the loss... Read More

Terrorism Worries: 10 Ways to Turn Fear into Hope

September 11th changed America and chances are it changed you.... Read More

Online Memorial ? A Dedication of Love for Your Departed Loved Ones

Life has always been a journey, a journey of finding... Read More

Grief & Loss - Healing Your Broken Heart

What is it about Grief & Loss that upsets us... Read More

Suicide in the Church Part 2

In a town the size of mine - about 16,000... Read More

How to Turn Grief into Joy

I was with my daddy when he died. Excuse me,... Read More

Are We All Losers? Understanding Grief

The well-known pioneer researcher Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross identified five states... Read More

Sympathy Flowers

Sending a floral tribute is a very appropriate way of... Read More

Suicide in the Church, Part 3

Suicide strikes...AGAIN!This may wind up being the most important article... Read More

Handicapped From Suicide

I am 23 years old. I come from a large... Read More

How My Four Your Old Son Reacted To The Death Of His Great Nanny Biscuits

My nan was called Margaret and lived until the age... Read More

An Unexpected Letter

It was a couple of weeks after Christmas, and I... Read More

Suicide Survivor

Suicide is a nightmare for survivors of loved ones. Death... Read More