May 17, 2014
I remember Martha, when she lost her mother to early-onset Alzheimers. I rushed straight over to hug her, look into her face. A phone call was inadequate. I had to see her eyes.
Amy, who, after losing her incredible mother – her champion and best friend – recently lost her brother. It was only a month ago. And it seems too much, too hard, too soon.
Hillary, when she phoned that January day and my cell phone rang in the crowds of Epcot. When she spoke, I couldn’t move. People bumped past me as I listened to her voice crumble on the other end of the line. He was gone. Her sweet, compassionate brother. And she didn’t get to say goodbye.
Her mother, Gaylyn, also my friend. We stood in her driveway and talked about death. About pain. How it never goes away. How every morning she cries, she prays, she misses her boy. Her only son.
And Kara. The months of watching her move through grief. Of seeing her withdraw to that place one goes when loss cuts you in half. Her baby. Sweet Isaac. Sent into her arms for such a brief stay. His role to deliver his twin brother Caleb into the world, which he bravely accomplished, then said goodbye.
I can barely write it out. I ache so heavy for them.
All of them – this army of wounded soldiers – are pushing on. Moving through the dailyness, the needs, the responsibilities. All the while caring for children, parents, spouses. Sharing truth that came at a price. Finding light in dark corners. Speaking the names of those they have lost.
I admire them. I love them. And when there is nothing to say, I hope they know this one thing:
I haven’t forgotten their grief. I know there is a hole carved out inside them. A place of hurt that only they know. I don’t pretend to know it. Can’t know it. But my arms are forever around them. In person, in prayer, in thought.
This beautiful trailer, created by Michelle Lehnardt is a must-watch. (M-heart: your work is such a gift.)
And if you haven’t bought Melissa’s book yet, you really should.
We need an education on mourning. What not to say. And how to listen. If we listen, those who know, will teach us the power of relationships with loved ones here and on the other side. We can learn the silent language of grief. The language of tears.
Because sometime that is the only right thing to say.
Melissa, your words are changing my heart.
cheryl cardall
I must buy this book for my sister in law who lost her 2 year old in a drowning accident last September, my in laws who lost their son in a senseless way 5 years ago and for my dear Lisa/Mavis (unless you are giving her one)
Selwyn
Gorgeous review, Cath, for an equally gorgeous gift of a book. The language of grief and tears is a horrible one to learn, but the language of "mourning with" is such a precious, needed skill. And Melissa's book is a beautiful translator.
April Perry
Thank you for sharing the beautiful messages of this book. Perfect comfort for what I'm going through right now… xo
catharvy
cheryl – i do actually have one for lisa. but maybe it's best coming from you? let me know. xo
kel – a beautiful translator – spot on.
april – yes, the mourning has already begun for you. so ironic when the one you are losing is still with you in flesh -tangible, but not in conscious mind, soul, or the spirit you knew. i'm mourning with you dear friend. and learning from your experience. i love you.
cheryl cardall
If you already have one for her please give it to her, I know she will so appreciate it.
Anne Marie
Hello dear, beautiful friend. This looks like an incredible gift to the world. Wow. The quotes you shared are absolute gems. The way you care so deeply for people is evident in all your words.
Your post on motherhood was just lovely. I wish I had had that painting's image years ago to carry me through those years of little ones. How I miss that intense season of life! You have done such remarkable work with your family these last many years. Sending you love today