The Gifts
They come in varied packages
Some in vibrant colors
Others wrapped with tissue
In rainbow colored bags
Yet others come disguised
We hardly know they’re there
Easy to overlook
Unseen by human eyes
Perhaps these are the greatest gifts
For they move our very spirit
These presents come from challenges
From sadness, grief and loss
They take us on a journey
Diving deep into our souls
Showing us the gifts
We could not see before
Helen Fernald
Dear Mom, When you died unexpectedly in 1992, I was heartbroken, not even sure I could continue. You were my rock, my strength when I was afraid; you offered hope in dark moments. I wasn’t ready for you to leave. Suddenly I was an orphan, alone in a frightening world. I needed you, but you…
August 18, 2023 Dear Mom, Today would have been your 107th birthday! Fred, Sara and I flew annually to Cleveland to celebrate your birthday. By January of 1992, we already had our plane tickets to travel to Ohio in mid August. Nothing could stop us! However, that year you had different plans. One month earlier,…
Dear Mom, It is nearly Father’s Day and I am thinking of Dad. I was so lucky to have you both as parents. You taught me to be kind, respectful, curious and hard working. You taught me that life is not always easy, but we can find the gift and be happy. You taught me…
O Lord, please help me Let go of the pressure Of the outer world The shoulds, the musts The urge to do The busyness Please help me sit To breathe and listen Listen for Your voice Breathe in the silence Just be Not do, just be Only then can I hear Your loving, gentle voice…
Dear Mom, Happpy Mother’s Day! I am deeply grateful for your presence in my life, both while on earth and now, wherever you may be. I know that you are with me, guiding me and helping me in subtle ways, that I probably do not even realize. Thank you. The last time I saw you…
Pirouetting Skating on the ice Doing pirouettes Upon the frozen Mirror in my heart The sadness and the grief Are buried still within Yet ice inside in my heart Now glistens in the sun Memories arise While dancing in the light The pain begins to yield Hope rises from within Spinning on the ice That…
