grief
Losing a family member is one of the most traumatic life events; Families must support one another to endure the five stages of grief and get through it together.
Between the Flowers
Feeling the blades of grass between her fingers and the sweet kiss of a warm summer breeze on her cheeks, Rose lay surrounded by her favorite flowers. Here she was comfortable, here she was safe. Here she could forget about the world, just for a moment. This was her home, her true home. Not the brick enclosure she slept in every night. She glanced at the trees and they looked heartbreakingly back at her. I know how you feel, she thought. The heartbreak never goes away. It just dampens over time. Like watching the sun setting. As the sun is setting, it seems like the sun is taking the longest path to end her journey. Yet, you’re left wondering how and when the darkness had crept up so quickly. And the dark is so much darker than you would believe. Until the moon lights up the darkness, and you are reminded again that there is even warmth in the night.
By Krystina Quintana5 years ago in Families
Unlikely Match
Everything seemed quiet. Too quiet. I can see people around me, stopping to talk to me, but it all seemed surreal. I couldn't understand any of the conversations. As I sat there, my thoughts ran away with my memories. It was a sunny day in May, 1969. The sun shone so bright that it glinted off of the red sports car that stopped to pick me up. Jeff's green eyes shone as he stopped in front of my porch. "Are you ready, Nancy? " he called over to me. "I certainly am", I giggled. I walked over to the car as the driver leaned over and the door popped open. Jeff was as handsome as the first day I met him 3 years earlier, in freshman year. His green eyes complimented his dark curly hair and chiseled features. He had a nice smile.. genuine. I cant believe he asked me on a date. I always thought he was into all the cheerleaders and popular girls. Not me, the book worm. I smiled as I tried to hide my nervousness. Off we went.. the sun started to sink in the sky. We were going to the Italian Villa, a classy restaurant on the other side of town near the river. I have never been there but heard all the girls talk about it. We stopped in front as the valet came to the car. Jeff handed him the keys as he came around and opened my door. We went inside and Jeff told the hostess his name. She showed us to a table near the window. The white tablecloth and the lit candle made the silverware shine. It was just as I had dreamed. I looked out the window as the river flowed past carrying a family of ducks. I smiled as i watched them. Jeff saw me smile…"A penny for your thoughts", Jeff commented. "Im just watching the ducks and how they swim together, following one another. Like a real family. " Jeff smiled, too. The waiter, who introduced himself as Todd, asked if he could get us a drink. Jeff answered, " can you recommend a wine?" As Todd handed him a wine list. Todd replied, " I would recommend a nice Merlot. " Jeff told him that we would have a bottle. The wine tasted really nice. Smooth and fruity. We looked at the menu and ordered. We talked throughout dinner.. the wine helped me relax. After dinner, he drove me home and asked if he could see me again...I of course, said yes....that date turned into a second, third, fourth... engagement, wedding... Someone touched my arm. " Nancy, Father Rinaldi wants to begin the ceremony." I started to hear the drone of all the people around me... and saw the priest standing in front of a .....coffin. I looked down at my hands clutching a white hankie embroidered with blue flowers. Jeff gave me that hanky years ago on a beautiful spring day. My hands were wrinkly ... I looked at a card...Jeffrey Singer, born June 23, 1943. Died July, 17, 2019 was written on it. 50 years.... 50 years had passed since my first date with Jeff. We had a wonderful life together. 50 years.. the war when he went over seas right after high school… the separation when I wasnt sure if he would come back home, alive. 4 children, a house with a white picket fence, vacations, holidays, family... And love. .lots of love.... and now its over. But true love never dies...and to think it all started on a sunny day in May and a bottle of Merlot.
By Elaine Dembowski5 years ago in Families
Dear Dad
Writing has been therapeutic for me, but I hardly every share it. Today I am sharing a letter I wrote to my Dad a couple months ago. This letter is still relevant because at current state all that I have written is still true. Sometimes getting it out on paper is the healing action we need to move on. Please read and share any feeback.
By Sunya Guevara-Hill5 years ago in Families
My Bloody Valentine
Another mundane Monday, I thought sitting on post for my concierge style security job. Sunday was Valentine’s Day though it felt like any other. The rain began to pour as tears rolled down my face. The state of my life was wearing on me. I was frustrated and stressed to the brink. Even my plans of making love were ruined by nature. Nature that by this point was giving me a lot more than I could handle. By 7:30 the light cramps I was experiencing had beefed up to a strong ten. Assuming fresh air would remedy things I heated my coffee, went out front to have ease my mind with a a cigarette. In an instant I began soaking through pads and even my clothes. It wasn’t close enough to break time to just walk away so I filled my underwear with tissue and paper towels because by 8:30 I had soaked through all of the sanitary napkins packed for an eight hour shift. Half an hour later clots began coming out of me. In a panic I ran to the CVS and purchased super overnight maxi pads and several wipes to clean up the blood. As I walked more and more pieces came out, each one larger than the previous. None of what was taking place made any sense. I was bleeding as if were raped or sexually assaulted, neither of which were true. The rain seemed to be pouring even harder by this point. It was 10:00 pm. I called everyone from my mother to my husband, even my 18 year old. Each time I stood blood poured from my body as if I were cut. Pain shot through my body with every piece that came out. Spasm for spasm. Only I knew they were contractions by this point. My relief came at 11 and without a word me and my rainbow paneled Raincoat were out of the door. In the truck with my husband without so much as a hello, Take me to the Emergency room! I spat. What! I shouted, certain he'd asked me again. Before I could reply I pressed down to brace for another release of a very large clot. Grimacing through the spams he said nothing. With a hard turn he headed for Greater SE Hospital. Upon arrival I sat for almost an hour before being approached by registration. When they came to me it was only to inform me that the system was down and to sit tight until they can check patients in. This was only more upsetting because time was being wasted. After an hour and a half I threw in the towel and decided that Greater SE was not the way. Begrudgingly we gathered my things and drove to GW Hospital.
By Joey Renee5 years ago in Families
After You
The distant sound of children laughing meandered on the fall breeze. There was a slight chill in the air, but that did not deter many from visiting the park. Finding a perverse comfort in the crunch of leaves beneath her feet, Lucille walked over to their park bench and slumped down on it.
By Kukua Paintsil5 years ago in Families
To Leo, with Love
It was the first time Anae had been out with anyone else in years. Hell, it was the first time she’d stepped her dainty little toes outside of the house in nearly nine months. No one really prepares you for the loneliness of isolation during a global health crisis and they certainly don’t tell you how excited and absolutely terrified you’ll be when the gates finally open again.
By Antonia Aipperspach5 years ago in Families
To Honor You As If You Were Here
There are many ways to honor your loved ones that have passed away when you are getting married that cannot be there with you. If you have a favorite uncle, aunt, or a cousin that you were close to, or one of your parents are grandparents has passed on, or sadly enough your child, there are ways for you to honor them when walking down the aisle. Here are a few of my top picks for my most favorite things and the things that I think are most beautiful. The things that I would choose for my wedding.
By amanda j mollett5 years ago in Families
