In 2007, I lost my friend David very suddenly and unexpectedly. He was very dear to me and was one of the first people who could really see me when I was feeling invisible to the world. His passing broke my heart in two and I didn’t think I would ever recover from that. After his funeral, I drove to a local retreat center in Houston and spent a weekend away grieving my friend. There were many tears shed in the course of the weekend and all those on retreat were aware of my loss and were supporting me as they could. There was so much love given from strangers.
During that weekend, I turned to the Lord in prayer and asked him to inspire me to write something that would help me in my grief. Below is the poem that came out. It is written from the perspective of David speaking to me. Since then, it has been published in an anthology, and read at the funerals of three other friends who have passed away. I have been told by those who have heard and read it that the poem ministers to their souls and they are able to find peace.
Since the passing of Sr. Anna, this poem is again ministering to my heart as I can hear her speaking these words to me. I hope it does the same for all those who may be grieving the loss of a loved one.
Art by Erika Lindig
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Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing!
Keeping you all in my prayers.
Spirit filled poem with heartwarming words. Thank you Sr. Alison.
Beautiful poem.,, thank you for sharing 💖💖💖
Beautiful words from a beautiful soul! Sr. Alison thank you for sharing !
Thank you Sr. Alison, I needed to read this this evening. My nephew died during the night. Not sure why. I am now in Pembroke, with my 89 year old sister , who is asking “WHY”. I will read this to her tomorrow
Simply incredible and so real! One can imagine having this conversation with a sudden loss of a loved one. Sr. Alison, you so eloquently put in words what we all need during times of grief. Thank-you!
A calming and peaceful poem.
Thank you.
Love this
The art at the end is so touching. Thank you for sharing the poem ❤️
Such a beautiful and heartfelt poem Sister Alison! Thank you for sharing.
Such a beautiful poem, Sister. It touches my grieving heart🥰🙏
Sr. Alison,
Special thanks to you for sharing your meaningful, heart-felt message of love, loss and heart-break, expressed in your touching poem; as you grieve the deep loss of your wonderful Sr. Anna and David.
Your message of hope and healing is most significant, along with the expression of art of Sr. Anna, I believe your timely writings will be helpful to anyone, presently grieving with the loss of a loved one.
Love and Peace of Christ to you, Sr. Alison, your Servant Sisters and Brother Companion Priests and friends, knowing you are in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️🙏
Very very powerful Sr. Alison — thank you so very much for sharing this. Much needed at this time
Good morning Sr. Allison
It’s early morning and it is very good to read your poem of so long ago yet so new, to ounce more heal our broken hearts at the loss of your dear Mother & Sister Anna. I call her often “Mother Anna” because she was the founders of your community and you cannot be a founders of a religious community if you don’t have a mothers’s heart.
” You can can cry if you must, but try also to smile,
For my new life has begun.” Thank you for your beautiful poem. I love you
Great poem, for a great heart, from a great poet!