Little Snowdrop
The world may never notice
If a Snowdrop doesn't bloom,
Or even pause to wonder
If the petals fall too soon.
But every life that ever forms,
Or ever comes to be,
Touches the world in some small way
For all eternity.
The little one we longed for
Was swiftly here and gone.
But the love that was then planted
Is a light that still shines on.
And though our arms are empty,
Our hearts know what to do.
For every beating of our hearts
Says that we love you.
Unknown
A Mother's Grief
You ask me how I'm feeling, but do you really want to know? The moment I try telling you, you say you have to go.
How can I tell you, what it's been like for me I am haunted, I am broken by things that you don't see.
You ask me how I'm holding up, but do you really care? The second I try to speak my heart, you start squirming in your chair.
Because I am so lonely, you see, no one comes around, I'll take the words I want to say and quietly choke them down.
Everyone avoids me now, because they don't know what to say They tell me I'll be there for you, then turn and walk away.
Call me if you need me, that's what everybody said, But how can I call you and scream into the phone, my child is dead.
No one will let me say the words I need to say Why does a mothers grief scare everyone away?
I am tired of pretending as my heart pounds in my chest, I say things to make you comfortable, but my soul finds no rest.
How can I tell you things, that are too sad to be told, of the helplessness I feel inside I am too afraid to be bold.
If you really love me, and I believe you do, if you really want to help me, here is what I need from you.
Sit down beside me, reach out and take my hand, Say "My friend, I've come to listen, I want to understand."
Just hold my hand and listen that's all you need to do, And if by chance I shed a tear, it's alright if you do too.
Anon
We thought of you today
We thought of you today,
But that is nothing new
We thought of you yesterday
And will tomorrow, too
We think of you in silence
And make no outward show
For what it meant to lose you
Only those who love you know
Remembering you is easy
We do it every day
It's the heartache of losing you
That will never go away.
Unknown
A Father's Grief
It must be very difficult
To be a man in grief,
Since "men don't cry" and "men are strong,"
No tears can bring relief.
It must be very difficult
To stand up to the test,
And field the calls and visitors
So she can get some rest.
They always ask if she's alright
And what she's going through.
But seldom take his hand and ask,
"My friend, but how are you?"
He hears her crying in the night
And thinks his heart will break.
He dries her tears and comforts her,
But "stays strong" for her sake.
It must be very difficult
To start each day anew.
And try to be so very brave-
He lost his child too.
A Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
The courage to change the things I can,
And the Wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
--Reinhold Niebuhr
A Million Words
A million words would not bring you back,
I know, because I've tried...
Neither would a million tears,
I know, because I've cried...
Unknown
A Mother's Love
I didn't have to look into your eyes to fall in love with you.
I didn't need to hear you cry to know you loved me too.
I didn't need to hold your hand to cherish you for always.
Within my womb, we shared our hearts. You touched my soul.
You sweetened my spirit. You gave me memories I'll always hold dear.
Yes. My heart aches since you departed too soon.
But a mother's love does not end with death.
For you are my child. Forever my love is yours.
Anon
Here's the Club That No One Joins by Choice
In fact, if given the choice, I'm sure all of us here would LEAVE the club. Nevertheless, we are initiated into this club and will never be the same.
A major traumatic event happened in our lives.
We were initiated with blood.
We were initiated with tears.
We have been initiated with the silence of our lives when no baby wakes us with his or her benevolent cries.
As initiates, we know truths about ourselves, truths at which others may only wonder.
We understand death and spirit, and have a connection with it that no one else can understand or achieve without joining our club.
We can demand respect and authority on many many issues.
We understand.
We know how to listen with the sympathy and understanding granted to few.
As initiates, we are leaders and rulers. If not outwardly - in campaigns to raise knowledge or save lives - then inwardly.
We carry ourselves with the quiet dignity of knowing that we will survive.
Knowing what is important.
Knowing who we are.
We bring compassion, pity, love, and strength to a world that needs us.
Welcome initiates. I'm so sorry you are here.
Anon