Sunday, June 1, 2014

A Teardrop on Earth



 "A teardrop on earth summons the King of Heaven."


She knelt.
Bending over the earth.
Plunging her hands into the warm soil.
Digging.
Picking up the small rose bush,
she gently placed it in the hole and patted dirt around it.
She heard a small wren trill his sweet song nearby.
Her tears fell,
catching on the tender pink petals.




"This is for you, Dad....",
she whispered, her voice breaking.
Sobs escaped.
Her world had been turned upside down during the past week.
Careening crazily.
Toppling over.
 Dropping like a rock.

Emotions raw,
overwhelming,
shimmering on the surface of her broken soul.
Tears flowing easily at unexpected moments ~
dishing up ice cream...
mowing the yard...
shopping for groceries.
Memories of shared times with her beloved father.


Sharp, painful memories of a sleepless night in a hospital room at his bedside.
Hearing labored breathing through the oxygen mask.
Holding his warm hand that clutched at hers.
Her head bowed in constant prayer.
Face wet with tears.
Heart beating wildly.
"Please, God. Not Dad...please don't take Dad from me."

Her gaze lifted, lingering out the window overlooking the sleeping city.
Lights bright.
Sky dark.
Streets empty.
Questions wrapped themselves tightly around her mind.
Heavy.
Strangling.
Tired eyes stinging with more tears.
 Two days, they had said.
He would pass in two days.

She gripped his hand tighter,
planting a gentle kiss on his forehead.
"I love you, Dad", she whispered in his ear,
not knowing if he could hear her voice or not.
"I love you with all my heart."

She focused on his face,
etching it into her heart.
She studied his hands.
Her father's hands.
Strong, steady, caring, hands.

The bracelet around his wrist imprinted with "Integrity".
His life had been filled to the brim with it.
Generous.
Determined.
Caring.
Humorous.
Faithful.
Devoted.
Loving.
Christ's love moving him to extremes. 
His love the first and last word in everything he did.
Giving freely and asking nothing in return.



She stood,
brushing the garden dirt from her hands and picking up the old watering can.
Water flowed
mingling with yet more tears.
 Her vision blurred as she dropped to her knees again in despair.
Sobs freely breaking through and cutting into the air.
Hands clutching her knees,
rocking.
 She watered the rose with her pain now.
As she lifted her head,
her watery eyes searched the clear blue sky for comfort from Heaven,
her father's favorite scripture bloomed suddenly deep inside her.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
  
Heaven had been made real for him.
The heaven he read about and spoke about so many times.
She knew he was now kneeling at the throne of God,
lifting his hands in praise.
She lifted her hands, too,
feeling the warmth of the sun on her dirty palms.
Offering up a broken heart.

The wren trilled.
 The sun shined.
The rose grew. 
Tears fell.
Her love bloomed,
and her faith remained steady. 


"I miss you so much, Dad.
I will always love you..."

~  Eucharisteo  ~
 


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55 comments:

  1. Laurie,
    Dearest friend, this past week you have been continually in my thoughts and prayers.
    My heart goes out to you,
    how I wish I could extend my hand and wrap my arms around you in comfort.
    I'm sending you this prayer. . .
    Morning Prayer
    God of light,
    Spirit of compassion,

    You open up
    the morning skies
    again before us.
    You breathe in us
    the breath of life.

    Be our guide
    in this new day.
    Be present with
    and in us.

    Heal us.
    Lift us.
    Stir us.
    Gift us.

    Let us be a blessing
    and a reflection of You.

    Amen.

    Deborah Cooper

    with my friendship and love through Christ.
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  2. What a comfort and blessing it must be to know that your father is in Heaven worshipping at the feet of Jesus! And you are left here for a time with a treasure full of sweet memories of him. How wonderful!
    Mary Alice

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  3. Laurie,
    Your words are beautiful. We are both in mourning, my Dad passed on the 26th, Memorial Day. Sending you my love and understanding.
    XO,
    Vera

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  4. Dear Laurie, I am so sorry for your loss. I have a similar story, sitting by my father's hospital bed seeing tears in his eyes as he could not speak. I miss him still and my mother also. The sharp pain can ease, but the longing for our parents never goes away. Blessings to you, xoxo,Susie

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  5. I sadly have been walking this earth without my daddy, too. I'm so sad. Your faith will help you survive. But I do understand. This was a beautiful tribute.

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  6. A beautiful tribute to your dad, Laurie. I know it's hard right now. It's been over a dozen years, and, I still miss my mom, my best friend. Sending prayers of peace, and, comfort.xoxo

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  7. Such a pretty and cheerful home. And Congrats to you again, I'm so happy for you.
    Happy Memorial Day weekend!
    House Decoration

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  8. Sweet story poem. My mom and dad are reunited in heaven; we are lonely here on earth and know we will be together again one day.

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  9. I'm so sorry, Laurie. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  10. Laurie,
    Prayers of gentle whispers to your heart, prayers of strength when needed, prayers of support to you my sweet dear friend.
    As you are caring for all the needs of others God is caring for you :)
    Your father is in the shelter of his glorious wings taking refuge in the beauty of its calming peace.

    Take care beautiful, know we are praying for you and yours.

    Xoxo
    Blessings

    Dore

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  11. Ps. I lost my Dad when I was 14 years old, it's a loss one never comes to terms with, we just draw comfort on seeing them again in perfect health.
    Xx
    Dore

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  12. Oh Laurie, so much love in your words and so much deprivation. I can feel so deeply with you... I always try to think my parents as stars they shine for me.
    All the best and the energy you need now
    Elisabeth

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  13. Oh Laurie I am sorry I wish I knew how to ease your pain. May the the sweet memories of your daddy bring comfort to you at this difficult time, you are in my thoughts and prayers
    Love,
    Suzann
    ~XOXO~

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  14. Dear Laurie, Your beautiful words for your father made me cried : lost my mother on the 27th may, and I spent three night and days with her... I send you that prayer that help me so much :
    FOOT PRINTS IN THE SAND
    One day a man came to Heaven and asked God if he could see his whole life, its joys as well as difficult times.
    And God granted him the request.
    God showed him all his life, as if it were projected along a beach. And that, he, the man was walking along that beach.
    The man saw that all along the way there were four footprints in the sand: his own and those of God.
    But in difficult times, there were only two prints.
    Very surprised and even distressed, he said to God:
    "I see that it is in difficult times that you left me alone ..."
    "No, replied God, during difficult times, there were only traces of my footprints !
    Because then I carried you in my arms ...

    from Ademar de Booros.

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  15. Laurie - I am so sorry for your loss of a beloved Father. I know your pain as I lost my Dad 3 years ago 24 hours after a car accident. So suddenly he left us and entered into eternal rest. His death was such a blessed event as the perfume of Christ poured out of him those last few hours. God's presence and peace was with us all during every second, never leaving us, always a comfort. I pray God overwhelms you with His sweet presence knowing that your Dad is by Christ's side this day.
    Hugs,
    Cindy

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  16. oh, laurie, i'm so sorry, -my thoughts are with you. beautiful tribute to your dear dad, and hugs and prayers to you:)

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  17. Beautifully said. So sorry for your loss Laurie! Prayers lifting for you. Hugs~

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  18. Oh Laurie, I am so very sorry to hear this. Sending you lots of hugs, thoughts and prayers...xoxoxo

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  19. Dear Laurie, I am so sorry for your loss. Your words capture the heartfelt hours before his leaving for heaven and they speak of a devoted and dear daughter. A daughter who will always have her dads love and heart!!
    I know your pain and I send my deepest sympathy. My prayers are with you and God bless you with comfort in the days ahead.
    Your friend with love, Celestina Marie

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  20. Such beautiful words Laurie...may all the wonderful memories of time spent with your Dad comfort you and help make you smile. Keeping you in my heart and sending you a hug...xo.

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  21. I cry with you, Laurie, as I read your words. We wonder how we will ever keep going without these wonderful, dear ones that helped us with every step we took in life. But as you wrote, the sun still shines and the birds still sing. I think those are His way of comforting us.

    It seemed to take me forever to reach the place where instead of tears and questions, there were smiles and a grateful heart. I can hear my sister say "Hey, Chickie" and see her laughing. I can see my mom blow me a kiss.

    Your dad is safe and he is greatly loved. And the love you shared will always, always be with you.

    Sending hugs,
    Lin

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  22. Your words are beautiful even when you are in pain it is hard to read without tearing up and I just want you to know that I am here for you if you need anyone to talk to. I know you are so strong and there really aren't words that fix this, only time and understanding of what god has in store for use after this very short life on earth and I know that you are aware of all that it is still hard to say goodbye for a time until we meet again with our loved ones. Take care my friend and allow the tears to flow those tears are what heals us, evidence that we are human with full loving hearts.

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  23. O no !! what a sad news Laurie......so sorry for your loss......i almost can feel your pain.......love and a warm hug from me...Ria....x !

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  24. Oh my how sweet to know that your Dad is with the Lord...
    may the days that are so very hard to walk be filled with all the sweet memories, prayers, thought's from so many who care and all the love you shared help to be a comfort during this time of loss. May it also be a comfort that one day you 'will' be together again. May the love and care of others who know your pain help to bring a comfort and may God dear friend bring a peace.
    Hugs & prayers and blessings~ Lori

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  25. "What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us." Helen Keller
    My gentle sympathy to you. xxo

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  26. "Tears are God's gift to us. Our holy water. They heal us as they flow." Rita Schiano

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  27. Oh my lovely.......no words in this time...LOVE.....for you sweeatheart !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm stay with you !!!
    Vicky

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  28. Laurie, I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. It must give you great comfort that he is with our Lord and that one day you will see him again. Your are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Diana

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  29. Oh my goodness... I'm so sorry to hear that your sweet dad had to leave your side. I know your heart must be hurting so bad. It is hard to describe in words what it is like to lose a parent, but you did it so beautifully. It's perfect that you planted a rose bush in his honor. I'll have you in my heart...

    Cindy

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  30. How touching and poignant. I'm so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sympathy.

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  31. I can so thoroughly relate as we approach the 1st anniversary of my Dad's departure from this earth. I lived with him in hospice, laid in bed with him as he drew his final breaths. For the I studied those hands...those hands that had held mine, guided me, molded me, scolded me, made me feel at peace. I studied his face. The face that used to have a ready smile, now sunken and drawn without expression. I had a whole week to study him, and to see him as I'd never seen him before. The pain is palpable every single day of my life since June 12, 2013, 3:05 p.m. CDT. It is a day and time and feeling I will never forget. Some days it feels as if the healing will never take hold; other my heart can't even grasp the meaning of the word "healing." But God is merciful, and I know in time the pain will lessen and the heart will know peace...a different kind of peace, but peace just the same.

    I am so sorry for your loss, for your pain. I am so glad for your wonderful memories.

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  32. My tears mix with yours. Know that I send hugs of love and comfort.

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  33. Hey Laurie! I remember you sharing beautiful photos earlier this year of your Dad when you were all celebrating your Mother's birthday. It's so hard when those we love are no longer here to give us hugs and hold our hand, but memories like you shared through photos and heart-felt words mean your Dad lives on in your heart and in ours ... thank you for sharing your Dad with us. Big Bear Hugs to you. KRIS

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  34. Laurie I'm so terribly sorry to hear of the passing of your dear father. Your poetic words mixed with sorrow, deep grief and the promise of healing from our Heavenly Father touched my soul. The pain of losing a loved one is heart wrenching. When my mother passed away 4 years ago I felt as though a psychic cord was ripped away from my soul. I felt lost and my whole world was shaken. Gardening and creativity helped in my healing process. I also found so much comfort in my faith and the healing words of Dr. Wolfelt from The center for Healing and Loss. His grief words were extremely helpful. Thinking of you and sending you warm loving thoughts and hugs.

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  35. Hello honey... I hope I have been some small amount of comfort to you through our emails. You know I am always here for you, just an email or a phone call away... I do believe your daddy and mine are chatting in Heaven, looking down at us and saying "that's my little girl" and they are so happy we are friends and sisters in Christ... much love and many prayers for you... each day is a baby step closer to being able to smile once more... I wish you peace of mind knowing he is safe in God's care... very special prayers for your mama... I love you, Julie Marie

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  36. Aw Laurie I'm so sorry for your loss......know that I'm thinking of you and sending you love and prayers x
    Gail x

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  37. I am so, so sorry to read this Laurie - may all of your beautiful memories wrap themselves around you like a warm blanket through this sad time.
    And may you always remember how it felt to hold his hand..............
    Much love and hugs to you girlfriend,
    Suzan

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  38. Eucharisteo, Laurie.
    Your dad sounds like a great man. He is now in the best place, rejoicing and praising God for eternity. This post still gives me great comfort. http://oursearskithome.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-beautiful-perspective.html
    I am going be be keeping you in prayer, dear one.

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  39. What a Beautiful Heartfelt Tribute to your Beloved Dad... I'm so very sorry for your loss. This Post touched my Heart deeply and brought tears to my eyes as I remember my Dad... and his transition from Time to Eternity many years ago. The stages of Grief are numerous... may the Lord comfort and strengthen you as you move through them and have a Peace beyond all understanding. Hugs and Prayers to you and your Family from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

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  40. Oh Laurie, I am so sorry you lost your beloved Dad. My tears are joining yours...I feel terrible you must bear this grief right now. You write so beautifully about your Dad, and you've always shared a deep love of your family. I'm glad that you know in your heart he is in heaven...no more pain...no more suffering. He will always watch over you from that place of great love and joy. You are in my prayers, dear friend.

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  41. Laurie,I am so sorry you lost your Dad....I am praying for you and your family.

    Take care,
    Carolyn

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  42. May the Holy Spirit, the great Comforter, visit you often during these days. You are a gifted writer...I am certain your Dad knew that. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us on the blog hop...our prayers are with you.

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  43. So very, very sorry for your loss. May God Bless you and Comfort you. Hugs,Janice

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  44. Laurie, I am so sorry for your loss. Your words are beautiful. I lost my Dad many years ago, and I will always remember that we sang his favorite hymn "I Come To The Garden Alone". It has become my favorite as well, and I still tear up when I hear or sing it. Sending prayers and (virtual) hugs your way.

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  45. So very sorry for your loss. My father is kneeling before Gods throne too. Warm thoughts, blessings, Pam xxx

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  46. So very sorry for your loss. My father is kneeling before Gods throne too. Warm thoughts, blessings, Pam xxx

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  47. So very sorry for your loss. My father is kneeling before Gods throne too. Warm thoughts, blessings, Pam xxx

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  48. So very sorry for your loss. My father is kneeling before Gods throne too. Warm thoughts, blessings, Pam xxx

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  49. Embracing hugs for you sweet Laurie. What a dear remembrance the rose will be. I often think of my mother and father and know that they are happy in heaven. They say if we knew how wonderful it is we wouldn't fight going there so much. Nothing quite like the love between a father and a daughter. Thanks for sharing this touching post with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  50. Laurie, I can't even fathom losing both parents one after the next. Praying for strength, understanding, hope and even joy in this incredible time of sorrow.

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  51. May God hold you in the palm of His hand. Nanny

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  52. What a beautiful and loving tribute to your sweet dad. Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort.

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  53. My condolences. Beautiful poem.Raw sentiments. No doubt a hard time to work through. My thoughts are with you.

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  54. Laurie, So sorry to hear about your loss. Sending you hugs and prayers at this difficult time.
    Jody

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  55. A beautiful tribute to your dear father Laurie. I hope that you can feel his love all around you and embrace your glorious memories. Thinking of you xxx

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Bless you and thank you for visiting! I read each of your comments and treasure them all. So, please make sure your settings will accept emails, or leave your email address so that I can reply! ♥ Laurie