In the Shadow

It’s been twelve months of
Waking up and remembering
Although - even in sleep she feels the loss
And the thought of facing the day alone
Casts a lingering shadow in her home.

She revisits places where they went
Places where he walked beside her
Sometimes just to hold her hand
And times to spurn her on - to a higher peak
The memories of which, to her, still speak.

Like a shadow always with her
Reminding her of what he would say
Or teasing her of what he would do
Sometimes so real – she can only cry
Other times so far, she wants to die.

She sees him in the children born to them
Each one following their dreams
Just like, she remembers, they once did
But with a higher sense of life's fragility
And appreciation for each day.

Memories like a silver thread
Keep weaving in and out of every day
Sometimes bringing on a smile
And sometimes bringing tears
Unashamedly mingling with her fears.

But, just when she thinks the valley's too deep
You, Lord, remind her, you are with her
From Your perspective it's but a shadow
That cannot take away the joy to come
When they'll be joined in their eternal home.

Although mere words cannot begin to express . . . thinking of you, my sister-in-law, July 2010

He will wipe every tear from their eyes.

there will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain,

for the old order of things has passed away.

Revelation 21:4