Sunday, June 7, 2009

A Minute For Reflection...!


A very special friend of mine, JoJo, lost her father yesterday.

You know, when any friend loses a family member or loved one, we as friends try to pass on our regrets to them. No matter what we say, no matter what terms of sorrow we use, no matter what forms of heartfelt sympathy we pass on it just never quite sounds right.

We want to comfort them, share some of the grief they feel, take away some of the hurt they are going through. That's what friends do! But there are no words that really work, and no amount of caring will ever completely end the sorrow. However, suffering is a part of life. We can't avoid it, we can't ignore it...all we can do is deal with it.

My words can't make things better for Jo. All I can do is try and be there for her. After all, she is my special friend! And that's what friends do...just be there!

Thia is for Jo and her family...



Now, my friends, let's get a cup of coffee and sit on the patio...and take a minute for reflection!

17 comments:

Felinae said...

Uncle Hermit~

I am sorry to hear of your dear friend, JoJo's loss. Please pass along, my heartfelt prayers and condolences at this difficult time.

Hugs~Felinae~

Following is a favorite poem of mine when a loved one is lost.

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 glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am the song that will never end.
I am the love of family and friend.
I am the child who has come to rest
In the arms of the Father who knows him best.

When you see the sunset fair,
I am the scented evening air.
I am the joy of a task well done.
I am the glow of the setting sun.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!

~ Mary E. Frye ~

HermitJim said...

Hey Felinae...
Thank you so much for the truly beautiful verse and the sentiment. I really appreciate it a lot, and I' sure JoJo will as well!

MsBelinda said...

Please convey my heartfelt condolences to your friend. I know what it is like to loose a father.

Felinae - thank you for that poem it really moved me.

Kyddryn said...

My condolences to your friend, Mister Hermit, sir. I hope the memories of her father's life, well lived, outweigh, outlast, the transience of sorrow...

Shade and Sweetwater,
K

JoJo said...

Thank you so much for the very special post my Special Friend. the tribute was more than words can say.
Felinae,
Thank you for the beautiful poem, it was so beautiful.
MsBelinda and Kyddrynn thank you also for you thoughts.
And Mr Hermit I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support the night my dad past away.
It is so wonderful to have such a Special Friend and to not have ever met before.
My father was the best, he was stern but gentle. He was my teacher and mentor. I will carry his memorie with me for the rest of my life.
Again Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers.
JoJo
PS, I tried to post earlier but it did not send.

HermitJim said...

Hey MsBelinda...
I so thank you on JoJo's behalf for the very kind words and thoughts.

The poem was indeed very beautiful!


Hey K...
I'm sure that Jo's memories will be special, indeed! Your condolences are very well recieved, my friend, and I thank you so much for them!


JoJo...
What can I say that I haven't already said? If there were anything I could do to soften the hurt, I would do it!

My continuing thoughts are with you and your family, and all the positive feelings I can muster are sent to you.

Lydia said...

Hi Jim, So sorry your friend is going through sorrow. :(

My heartfelt condolences as well.

Beautiful song you have selected once again. Felinae, I love that poem also.

lydia

HermitJim said...

Hey Lydia...
Your visit and kind words are greatly appreciated today!

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Gwen said...

HermitJim, you truly are a special friend to JoJo - to so many. How much comfort you've given her, I'm sure you'll never know.

JoJo, I'm truly sorry for your loss. I, like MsBelinda, know the loss of a Father, too. I miss him still but only smile now when I think of him. When I lost my Mom last year, it was an online friend who helped me through. My online friend and I now live close enough to visit often. Not a coincidence, I'm sure. She's moving away at the end of this summer, but we will always be friends. Feel the warmth of your online friends circling you now in your time of sorrow. Hugs to you and your family.

HermitJim said...

Hey Ginger...
Thanks for your kind words. I appreciate it a lot, and I know that Jo does too!

It is nice to have someone around we can talk to when we need a little support. Some day, we all will need to have the comfort of friends to get us through, or at least to help!

Thanks for coming by!

Unknown said...

My Brother,
I am sure JoJo knows what a wonderful friend she has in you. You always say things so beautifully.
To Jo I say your loss is so great and my words are so small but I do pray for you in your hours of hurt. We all know that the grieving is for those of us left behind but hurt is hurt just the same.
The following is a poem that was printed on my husband's obit. It is not as pretty as the one that Felinae sent but I hope it helps some.
I'm Free
Don't grieve for me,for now I'm free,I'm following that path God laid for me; I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day. to laugh, to love to work or play. Tasks left undone, must stay that way, I found a peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow;
My life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times,a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seems all to brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now. He set me FREE.

P.S. Our PBS station (T.V.) is doing a Josh Groban show tonight...if you are in the mood, maybe it will help.

HermitJim said...

Hey Sis...
I'm happy that you could come by today. Your words are, I'm sure, appreciated by JoJo a lot.

Thanks for sharing the poem and I know that will be appreciated as well.

JoJo said...

Thank You again to all that left comments after my visit this morning.
Beth your poem is also beautiful and I will print and add it to the memorial book we are making along with Jim's post. The hospice home also made a very nice poster. We picked out the picture and things that were ralated to who my dad was and put it all together. I Just feel so uplifted by all Jim's friends and family that have left kind words for me today.
JoJo

HermitJim said...

HeY JoJo...
I'm so glad that we could help to brighten our day just a bit.

My friends are your friends as well, and I feel almost as though you are part of my family.

Glad to hear about the poster and memory book...Ithink it's a good idea!

Have a restful evening, my friend...OK?

TEAM HALL said...

I'm soooo sorry to hear about your friend JoJo's loss! A sad time...

Anonymous said...

Hi Jim & JoJo;
Just got back from the woods.

I am so sorry for your loss. Been there done that. Time to grieve, time for the good memories, and remember time heals most wounds.

Friends sometimes are at a loss for words to say-Just know they are there for you helps.

js said...

We also forgive. You know what I mean.

js