Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Solace




This prompt for solace hits a delicate note today.  Today is the funeral of a dear friend and yesterday the passing of my husband’s aunt Mabel.  I think how can I be a source of comfort for my friends and family.  My tongue is not elegant, nor coated with wisdom.  My part will be in hand holding and hugs, then serving and cleaning up the funeral meal to the hundred people expected.  Later in the day, I will visit with in-laws.  My comfort will come from and be shared in the exchange of quiet memories of a beautiful woman.  I find solace in the last visit she had with the brother she raised since he was two.  He suffers from Alzheimer's.  I wondered if he even understood she was there. After she left, while I was with him, movement in the hallway made him call out her name. It brought me great comfort to realize the strength of love’s bond. 


tears and laughter
in memories shared
our solace

_


autumn’s splendor
whisked gentle away
warm embrace
painted memories shared
over steaming cups of tea






14 comments:

  1. What a lovely haibun...how comforting having you to hold, hug and take care of the clean up...things that help more than you know.

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    1. and in return the comforters receive comfort. We had such a community outpouring at my friends funeral. So much support for his teenage son, it made for a beautiful time. We had way over 100 to feed but it went great, and the workers were able to take dinner home to their families.

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  2. I am so sorry, Dolores ----
    Such love in this post --- I wish I knew what to say.

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    1. Thanks, love and family are God's greatest gifts.

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  3. Dolores, a lovely tribute to the love of family in this haibun. May you likewise find comfort in the days ahead. Blessings.

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    1. Thank Janice! We are blessed to have such community support.

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  4. An uplifting haibun Dolores ... and I'm so sorry for your loss. This haibun is such a wonderful instance in how helping others can be a solace to us as well ... thanks you for sharing.

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    1. Thanks! Their was a wonderful community outreach for my friends family, that I was honored to witness.

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  5. This haibun makes me speechless and emotional - and so many emotions. Beautiful.

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    1. Thanks, we will have some emotional days ahead, mixed with wonderful sharing of memories and catching up with family.

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  6. Dolores, this is so poignant and emotional.May God give you strength to bear the pain.

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  7. This is so beautiful and sad Dolores. I hope you find some joy in your life apart from the struggle that is yours. I reiterate Usha's prayer for you.

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    1. Joy can always be found if you are willing to look. Thanks for your kind words.

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