"Our Song"

"That song came on today.
The one you loved.
The one we listened to together,
The one whose melody mingles with so many of our memories.

A soundtrack in the background of our days."

This poem, written by Liz Newman, was found on her Facebook page.  She has also written a book titled "I Look to the Mourning Sky" (among other resources for those who are grieving).  Her book and daily poems found on Facebook have been a great help to me in the grieving process.

Although my journey may be different than others, it has been my journey from caregiving to loss, and the grief and emptiness that follows.  And a realization that I have a "new" title now...

Widow.  Funny how things go!  I can finally say it...I AM A WIDOW!

Years ago when I began my first blog, I wrote about the journey I was on as caregiver for my husband who had dementia.  Through various posts and writings, I discovered that I was a CAREGIVER, but that I was also a WRITER!  

So in learning that, I have been reflecting on my journey through each of these phases, as well as the years as wife and mother.  This poem caught my eye, but also triggered this reflection as well:

"Why is it I can't remember a song that was our song?  Did we have a special song?  Is there a song that reminds me of you?  Not really!  Nothing comes to mind!  Yet...that really doesn't mean there wasn't one!

I love music!  You loved music, too!  You were a musician; in college majoring in music, playing the trombone in the band.  I didn't know you then; but you continued to play music and when I did meet you, tyou were playing the harmonica in a band with a few of your friends.

When our daughter was old enough and wanted to learn to play the piano, you were her teacher!  There was always music around us!

And you did love that George Beverly Shay song..."How Great Thou Art!"  Maybe that was your song and we didn't really have a special song.

Who says there has to be one certain song?!  Music in itself is a clear reminder of a loved on, whatever it is!

What is/was your special song.  Or, what other "thing" triggers those memories of your loved one?  Share them in the comments!

EVERYBODY GRIEVES

 In one way or another...Everybody grieves!  This poem was written about a month after losing my husband.  Today, I share "Everybody Grieves"; soon I will write more and pick back up on my journey as I add more posts.

I hope you will share your "journey" with me and my followers!

EVERYBODY GRIEVES

Everybody grieves differently...

everyone's lives are different,

their relationships not the same at all!

If you see me happy,

know that I am trying my best

but beneath my smile are unshed tears.

You may not see the tears,

or know when they are shed.

Those usually fall behind my door,

when I shut myself inside for the night.

If you do see a tear or two

it's only for a moment,

brought on by a memory, a song,

or a comforting word shared.

Everyone grieves differently,

and though mine isn't always clear to others,

it's there.

Don't be afraid when the tears fall;

comfort those who shed them.

Grief unshared builds up within;

grief shared is grief giving way to what lies ahead.

But...

Everybody grieves differently...

(BJL - Nov. 2022)