Hello dear ones. I wish I could reach through my computer screen tonight and hug each of you so tight.
It’s been a rough few weeks for me and I feel wrung out like an old dishrag. My dear friend died, my Grandpa is dying and will leave us any moment, my uncle is in bad shape in the hospital, and I’m just trying to soldier along as I recover from the ravages of Ecoli.
Sometimes it really does seem like too much to bear.
As I was thinking of what to post tonight, I spent a while scrolling through pictures until I found these beautifully peaceful ones in Ireland. Just looking at them made me relax.
I started thinking of the Irish, of the terrible things they have gone through: civil war, famine, poverty. That sent me on a search for Irish poetry and I found this beautiful Funeral Prayer that made me teary and smiley at the same time. I think it was actually written by an Englishman, but we’ll just keep that between us.
Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Everything remains as it was.
The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no sorrow in your tone.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort
Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was.
There is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.
All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting, when we meet again.
Whatever you are going through today, I hope your heart is comforted, your spirit strengthened, your body restored.
Thank you for being part of my life. xo
It makes me happy to know that you are feeling the support that all of your friends/readers are sending you. I know that poem well — my 16yr old read it aloud at her great gran’s funeral service this past weekend. We are united in sorrow and friendship, you and I. One more gentle hug coming your way! xxx
Oh @c22725794d55a7fa0e6d936dd8f2195a:disqus , how I love having a kindred spirit like you in my life. xo I’m so sorry for your loss, your pain, and return your dear hug with all my heart.
That Irish poem prayer is beautiful, also really love that top images. Its the kind of place I could sit the whole day and do nothing. Very sorry to hear about your friends death. One hug for you.
Thank you very much for the hug, @ff0f153759f11353a7e969a7de37f4df:disqus I love that top picture too. It was such a peaceful spot, quiet and serene.
Oh Krista! Be strong! I just know that with all of this darkness, brighter times HAVE to be ahead!
Thank you, dear @9b1bdf89d246a11de70394ca2956b440:disqus I am taking heart and writing lists of all the good things in my life. It may be rough right now, but there’s still goodness to be found. 🙂
Beautiful scenery. Beautiful poem. Sending positive and cheerful thoughts your way.
Velva
Thank you, dear Velva. I really appreciate that. xo
Magnificent! Nature in all it’s glory. That is one country I’d love to visit.
Cheers,
Rosa
I love it so much too, @twitter-28385361:disqus ! Hope to visit again one day and do a lot of walking in the country. 🙂
I’m sorry to hear that things are still looking dreary for you. These photos are very peaceful indeed and the poem is perfectly fitting. I hope you feel better, I’m so sorry to hear about your losses.
Thank you so much, @annb04:disqus There are good things in the midst of all this sadness, and I’m so grateful for them. 🙂
Such a touching post, Krista. You are a courageous woman and I’m sure you are an inspiration to so many…and I’m glad you can find comfort in things like blogging, friendships, and serene photos like these. Sending you a virtual hug back!
Thanks for sharing these words Krista, they too made me teary and smile at the same time thinking of loved ones that have gone “to the next room” before me and with whom I hope to meet again one day… big hug from me to you. Hang in there, as my dad used to say: “Life is beautiful, thus we must live it!” (La vida es bella y hay que vivirla).
I wish that I could reach in and give you a big hug Krista. A great big bear hug!!!!!I really do think that life has thrown you one too many curve balls in the last little while. I am so glad you surround yourself with so many wonderful people. Its times like this that we appreciate our friends and family even more.
I wish that I could reach in and give you a big hug Krista. A great big bear hug!!!!!I really do think that life has thrown you one too many curve balls in the last little while. I am so glad you surround yourself with so many wonderful people. Its times like this that we appreciate our friends and family even more.
Krista, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you are healthy and happy again soon. Your Irish prayer was really touching. I lost my dear sweet mother this past year after a three year battle with cancer and the poem brought a peaceful tear to my eye.
Sorry to hear of your troubles and sorrows; this too shall pass; at least you have got friends and supportive family and these beautiful photos and poems from Ireland!
Oh Krista, they (can’t remember who) read that poem out at my Grams funeral & its always made me think about her being here but just out of sight. I hope your feeling better soon Lovely, sounds like your going through some tough times there xx.
that was beautiful. gosh, you really have been through way too much. I really do hope things become a bit brighter for you soon. I know the difficulty of dealing with death, so I can empathise.
take care!
I’m so sorry for all the sadness you are living with right now. The images are beautiful, and the poem reminds us to celebrate lives, with laughter, even when we feel like crying.
Dear Krista
My heart is with you, I wish I could hug you and comfort you. This is a lovely poem. I agree and identify with every word of it.
Thank you for sharing those beautiful and peaceful pictures of Ireland.
Love
this is so beautiful, lovie. thank you for allowing your grief and pain to open this portal. thinking of you and your family. gentle hugs and much love…
rain
Just remember that Nutella is readily available and makes almost anything better. Hugs.