Whenever I talk to anyone about cancer, especially if it’s someone who has just lost someone, I inevitably think about my Grandparents. I’ve shared Grandpa’s story with you, and Grandma’s will come. Of all the people who I have lost, these two affected me the most.
Even now, at *cough not 39 cough* years old, there are still times I’m overcome with sadness thinking about them. There are times something will happen in my life, and my first thought is “I should call Grandma”. I don’t think it’s something that will ever go away, and I wouldn’t want it to.
I believe in the power of words (obviously… I have a blog!) and there are two poems that always stand out for me… one that makes me think of each of them. After talking with someone today who had lost a brother-in-law to cancer, they came to mind so I thought I’d share them.
For Grandpa
- Do not stand at my grave and weep,
- I am not there; I do not sleep.
- I am a thousand winds that blow,
- I am the diamond glints on snow,
- I am the sun on ripened grain,
- I am the gentle autumn rain.
- When you awaken in the morning’s hush
- I am the swift uplifting rush
- Of quiet birds in circling flight.
- I am the soft star-shine at night.
- Do not stand at my grave and cry,
- I am not there; I did not die.
-Mary Frye
For Grandma
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow’d to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
