Today marks 10 years since my sister Karlette took her last breath. As I showered this morning, at about the same time I got the call, I told myself grief would not win today.
I enjoyed a beautiful church service, had dinner with my guys at one of my aunts’ homes, and took a moment to appreciate the tiny pink blossoms of the redbud tree in front of her home.
Interesting that in all these years, I had not seen the tree in bloom before. I’m certain that God led me to the pink blossoms–especially today.
I had my own notion of grief.
I thought it was the sad time
that followed the death of someone you love.
And you had to push through it
to get to the other side.
But I’m learning there is no other side.
There is no pushing through.
But rather,
there is absorption.
Adjustment.
Acceptance.
And grief is not something you complete,
but rather, you endure.
Grief is not a task to finish
and move on,
but an element of yourself,
an alteration of your being.
A new way of seeing.
A new definition of self. –Gwen Flowers
Pics and Posts 
I love how God is so near in the little things. Much love to you.
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🙏🏾🦋🙏🏾
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My heart is with you. Glad you were with family. Hard to believe 10 years have passed. Happy to think you could catch a glimpse of the pink blooms..
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Thank you, Chandra Lynn. Grace. Grace.
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Absorption. Yes. Hugs dear friend.
So glad you had family close, and were greeted by such lovely little treasures.
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Praying for you.
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I guess we could say that grief is our way of loving someone who is no longer with us. It changes over time as love does, and we don’t need to rush through it. Love the redbuds! I used to have redbud trees lining my driveway. I miss them. Your pic made me smile.
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Happy to make you smile. Thanks and hugs…
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This poem really describes the experience of grief well. I am praying for you as you live today in your new reality, 10 years after your sister’s death.
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Thanks, Rev Russ. It’s just weird? how I count time now-1 year, 5 years, 10 years…since.
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Love this poem. I’m coming up on 10 years from my father’s death in April. Some days it feels like yesterday.
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I’m so sorry. Sending a warm hug and prayers…
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Those are beautiful flowers. I’m so sorry about the loss of your sister. Thanking for sharing this with us.
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