Grief

"My grief, I find, is not desolation or rebellion at universal law or deity. I find grief to be much simpler and sadder... All the things he loved tear at my heart because he is no longer here on earth to enjoy them. All the things he loved!"
- John Gunther

This is a quote from Death Be Not Proud.  For those who do not know, the story chronicled the struggles of Gunther’s teenaged son, who passed away from cancer in the 1940s.  This week, when visiting an ill friend and hearing of a passing of another, I thought about the quote and how it echoes truth—about death and how it leaves such a void in the heart everytime—a void in the inner being and how we miss them so.  It is a grief that is always there; that always surrounds us in our wake.  We can only find strength to move beyond that saddness in the belief that they find rest and peace when they are no longer with us.   It is definitely that Hope that sustains me when I lose loved ones that are dear to my heart.

Have a good weekend!

I Will Try Again Tomorrow

“Courage doesn’t always roar.  Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”  Mary Anne Romacher

A very near and dear friend sent this quote on a card a few months ago.  As I look at it everyday, it reminds me small accomplishments lead to big ones and to take pride in the little as well as the monumental ones.  I, like many, become so engrossed in my main goal; my ultimate purpose, that I forget sometimes to step back and take a breath.  Life, I become to realize, is so short that we should have the courage to say, “tomorrow is another day-- I will try again then.”

Have a good weekend, everyone!

T'is So Much Joy

This poem by (guess who?) Emily Dickinson caught my eye today and I decided to post it   Sometimes, we all need to take heed of the joy in life because we never know when it will be cut short.  Well, today is my day to be reminded of that…and who better to do this than my all-time favorite poet!  Hope you enjoy and have a great weekend!

’T is so much joy! ’T is so much joy!
If I should fail, what poverty!
And yet, as poor as I
Have ventured all upon a throw;
Have gained! Yes! Hesitated so
This side the victory!

Life is but life, and death but death!
Bliss is but bliss, and breath but breath!
And if, indeed, I fail,
At least to know the worst is sweet.
Defeat means nothing but defeat,
No drearier can prevail!

And if I gain,—oh, gun at sea,
Oh, bells that in the steeples be,
At first repeat it slow!
For heaven is a different thing
Conjectured, and waked sudden in,
And might o’erwhelm me so!

Happy Valentine’s Day

I wanted to wish you all a Happy Valentine’s Day!  Today is one of my favorite holidays.  I always feel the essence of love epecially on this day!  I can only hope you all feel as loved as I do.   

Have a happy rest of the day!

Inspirational Feats

Hi all!  I hope you had a fantastic week and survived the snow.  Hopefully, spring is just around the corner!

Today, I found this inspirational news clip that brought a smile to my face and hopefully, it will to yours, too!

Thank you for your consistent support.  I’m off to a great start to my final semester, and knowing readers enjoy perusing my posts adds to my joy of writing.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Continuing the Journey

I’m back at Messiah College for my final semester.  I can’t help but to feel a spark of excitement as I continue on this on-going journey.  Even though I know this the beginning of the end of something special and unique, there is much more ahead of me.  I’m reminded of the old adage, “a door never closes unless another opens” and I truly believe this.  Life’s road has many potholes, but in the end, it is all worth it! 

Cheering Him On

I came upon this news clip today and thought it was totally inspiring.  Even though it is old, this shows what true determination brings if one has a mindset for success.  Once again, I thank you for your continuing support as I embark on my final semester!  Writing my blog has been one of the joys of my weekly routine for 2 ½ years and I’m truly grateful for your readership!  And now, the video!

P.S. I'm so sorry about the sound!  If you mute it, it's worth watching :)

Unending Hope

 

I know this is a recognizable piece of wisdom, but today I came upon it and spoke volumes to me.  As I feel the winds of change approach in my life, I find myself desperately clinging to things and routines I know and take refuge in them.  However, I have come to realize that the more I resist the hands of change; it is harder for me when it inevitably comes.  HOPE, I believe, is the guiding light that leads us ultimately to shore. 

Temple Grandin

I watched this lecture today and was totally blown away.  It reminded me of the book review I wrote for my last internship.  For me, Dr. Grandin is the definition of “differently abled.”  I truly hope you’ll be impressed as I when I watched this video.

Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight

Today, I wanted to share my favorite poem written by Vachel Lindsay.  Although I was introduced to the piece several years ago, it reveals a fresh prospective every time I read it. As I re-visit it, I’m in awe of this poem’s power to paint poignant images in my mind, and certainly in others.  I hope you enjoy this poem as much as I do.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Abraham Lincoln Walks at Midnight

 

(In Springfield, Illinois)

It is portentous, and a thing of state

That here at midnight, in our little town

A mourning figure walks, and will not rest,

Near the old court-house pacing up and down.

Or by his homestead, or in shadowed yards

He lingers where his children used to play,

Or through the market, on the well-worn stones

He stalks until the dawn-stars burn away.

A bronzed, lank man! His suit of ancient black,

A famous high top-hat and plain worn shawl

Make him the quaint great figure that men love,

The prairie-lawyer, master of us all.

He cannot sleep upon his hillside now.

He is among us:—as in times before!

And we who toss and lie awake for long

Breathe deep, and start, to see him pass the door.

His head is bowed. He thinks on men and kings.

Yea, when the sick world cries, how can he sleep?

Too many peasants fight, they know not why,

Too many homesteads in black terror weep.

The sins of all the war-lords burn his heart.

He sees the dreadnaughts scouring every main.

He carries on his shawl-wrapped shoulders now

The bitterness, the folly and the pain.

He cannot rest until a spirit-dawn

Shall come;—the shining hope of Europe free;

The league of sober folk, the Workers' Earth,

Bringing long peace to Cornland, Alp and Sea.

It breaks his heart that kings must murder still,

That all his hours of travail here for men

Seem yet in vain.   And who will bring white peace

That he may sleep upon his hill again?