Are you grounded? Do you stay rooted despite the raging floods?
Do you find a river of tears refreshing while you reflect?
I’m reposting this beautiful Renga that my precious cousin Sagan wrote with me around ten months ago. The new poem below was written this week in loving memory of her Dad, Jeff.
Heaven's River
In loving memory of Jeff Wilson
We gathered at the Finley River,
a family too large for one shoreline--
chairs under the pavilion, kids near the water,
voices carrying over the current
like they always had.
Then loss entered without asking.
Everything we knew to hold
Fell from our hands.
Your leaving was not a stone dropped gently-
it broke the surface.
It moved through wives, daughters,
mothers, & brothers,
through cousins who became quieter,
through stories that stop at your name
and start again with tears.
The river will keep going,
because rivers do.
When we gather again,
it will never be the same.
Still, there are other ripples:
the sound of your wisdom,
your kind voice and laughter,
as we carry your stories with us.
The way we still find you in each other,
the way memory touches memory
until even grief becomes proof
that you were here.
Our family on the Finley
will never be the same.
But somewhere beneath the ache,
your life keeps widening--
ripple after ripple--
in all of us who loved you,
until one day we gather again,
with all our loved ones
who have gone before us-
on the beautiful banks
of Heaven's River.
K.L. Hale
In a world filled with “why’s”, “I don’t understand”, or more “to-do’s” and “to-be’s” to stay distracted, may we all take the time to anchor ourselves in truth. Fear can’t get the final word. Even when you may not understand, HE DOES. Hope can still remain rooted. This is not a denial of reality. It is faith and confidence in God’s presence through reality. “God, help us to return to the quiet center of Your indwelling life. Hold us steady through life’s raging storms.” Keep us rooted in hope and truth.
Do you know how loved you are, my friends? Keep the faith, hold on to hope. ❤️
Keep finding your September song, friends. 🎶
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Oh dear Karla… my heart hurts so much for you and your family, but God…
The faith and testimony of both you and Sagan reminds me ‘again’, to remember those powerful two little words! But God…
Love you dear friend!
Sweet Sara, you’re a treasure. But God! Sagan will love your words–and if you knew you–she’d love you equally!
I love you and Vern! Thank you!
Beautiful, truthful words forged in the furnace of searing loss, Karla and Sagan. My prayers are continuing for you both and for your extended family. Such losses are hard to bear, and the recovery is hard-won. Time does little to heal wounds. Talking, touch, togetherness, and truth are the keys to healing. Especially that Truth that is also the Way and the Life. As you wander this road of recovery and restoration, keep in mind this Irish blessing:
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we all meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand,
May our God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Give my best to Sagan, Finley, and the family. Remember that our God is speaking clearly in our pain.
Tim and that Rascal.
Tim,
Thank you for your precious words and beautiful Irish blessing. “Such losses are hard to bear, and the recovery is hard-won.” I will give your prayers and regards to Sagan (and Angela). What a young lady and legacy left inside the spirit of her! She is so amazing just like her mom and dad! I really appreciate your wisdom–the training and background–evenmoreso, the Christ IN YOU that speaks through you as you offer words of support and healing ways to keep love at the center of it all. The Truth–the Way and the Life. We know we know!
God bless you and Rascal. We love you both in Christ and your friendship continues to bless us!!
Very beautiful poems, Karla. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss.💔
Thank you, MAK. The family and I appreciate this. You are so precious to Finn and I. We love and treasure you. ❤️🙏🏻🐾
🐩❤️🐻❄️🧸…as you know. <3 Both of you are brave and good.
❤️🫶🏻💕🐾🐾🐾
That poem, Karla. Gasp. Truly one of your best pieces of writing – and for good reason. I am so sorry for your family’s loss – but rejoicing in heaven’s gain.
Thank you, precious Erika. Yes, there’s comfort in that! I know the family appreciates your beautiful thoughts.
It seems to be that way Karla, ever meeting by that riverside to share so much. Watching the memories flow by but ever instilled by them.
My condolences to Sagan and for your loss kind lady, and much love and prayers as you both feel it all and share with those close. The beautiful poem is those hearts sharing something so lovingly in its meaning.
Lovingly written and thank you for sharing it my friend. Big hugs to all, may those memories hold a love for those ever in your hearts 🌹❤️🙏
Mark, I know that Sagan and her mom, Angela, my Uncle Ronnie and Aunt Brenda (Jeff’s parents) will appreciate the love and prayers of such kind and thoughtful friends like you. It’s truly love that can soothe the broken hearts.
The memories are so precious, my friend. SO MANY people were there for his celebration of life. It was such an amazing experience to witness and hear all of the stories. Truly, an amazing family that is teaching us all about love, loss, and holding on to memories. I’m clinging to Christ as my anchor and so thankful to have such an amazing family and group of friends, here, in this space which expands the globe.
Thank you, Mark. Finn and I send our Christ’s love, hugs, and prayers across the big blue to you. Hold on to memories and make each day count, my friend! I know you do! ❤️🙏🏻🦓🫶🏻
Hang in there kind lady, much love and hugs coming to you all. May His love hold you within as you share this time, and thank you for your beautiful blessings too Karla 🦓🕊️🌹❤️🙏
You’re welcome…I’m hanging in hope and by my pinky toes! Even more, God is IN ME and that’s enough! May His love hold you too! ❤️🙏🦓💖
, Beautifulj and moving.
Mary
Thank you, Mary. 💕💕🙏🏻
a lovely dedication to your friend. my condolences for your loss.
and you’re right, in this world where we try to answer timeless questions, the only thing we have is faith and the hands of our loved ones and friends to hold! Mike
How are you feeling lately? I hope you are well, and are staying steady through life’s raging storms.
Hi, Tippy! Lately, I feel a bit ragged, my friend. Blood counts are low which impacts my energy. It’s not uncommon with the treatment rounds I finished so I’m expecting to rally. One wouldn’t know it if you saw me my 4 good hours a day, lol. I’m staying as steady as I can given all the layers of life. But still, I count it all as blessings, dear friend. To be able to help care for aging parents, my health, and be “here” is a gift! I’m looking forward to being more involved with my kids and grandkids as I get stronger, too. And who knows, I might even get to visit your site, too! I miss the fun and giggles. I do pray and hope you are all well too. I appreciate your friendship and support!
I imagine you have to pace yourself, in order to get through a day without collapsing, due to your low blood count. Or do you just get as much done as you can, in a flurry, and then collapse?
Hi, Tippy. It’s been so strange. I don’t sleep very well. I’ll get up early, even though I’ll wake up through the night. I have to pace myself and not flurry. I’m very intentional. Depending on what my parents might need, as they are my top priority, or if my adult “kids” reach out, or a doctor, or friends…it varies.
I met with my specialist this morning and when he saw the counts he explained that it should start trending the other way in a month or so. But I take one hour at a time.
I hope you and yours are well?
Well, I hope your specialist is right.
Yes, it seems when our energy levels are low, we have to pace ourselves and be very intentional in the way we do things. I think it’s interesting how this sometimes gives us an advantage over those with higher levels of energy, who aren’t so careful.
I think so too, Tippy. When I was on the “clock”, so to speak, I didn’t have a choice. My brain was intentional lol…slightly always behind (ok, more than slightly) my body’s pace. I like how my body, mind, and soul work together now.
What a beautiful tribute post for your cousin Sagan’s Dad. You poems had perfect endings. Loss always leaves a hole in our hearts! You are as rooted and grounded as anyone I know!
Dwight, thank you for your support and beautiful and kind words! You’re one of my favorite poets—and an extremely rooted and grounded soul as well—your encouragement means so much to me. Jeff was my first cousin and I feel so blessed to have built this bond with he and Angela’s amazing daughter, Sagan, over these last 4 years. She will continue his legacy, undoubtedly.
You are very welcome, Karla. It is good to see the next generation carrying on.
Karla, this tribute to your cousin and Sagan’s dad is so moving and beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us, your readers. Praying for peace that passes our human understanding for this painful loss.
I love you my friend ❤️🙏🏻
Precious friend, thank you so much for your constant encouragement, support, and prayers. You know the peace even through the difficult times. It feels so good to grieve and know that no matter what, we know who has it all. I’m praying that you are all well, too. I love you, Pam! ❤️🙏
Sorry for your family’s loss Karla. Beautiful words.
Thank you, Brian. I appreciate your kind words and friendship.
What a beautiful tribute and I’m so sorry for your loss Karla! Sending you lot’s of love. Hugs and love and may he rest in peace. Miss you, love you! xx
Thank you, precious Cindy! I feel the love and hugs. Peace is such a beautiful thing—my heart aches for those who don’t have it. I love and miss you, too. Hopefully, my blood/energy and impacts from treatment will have me back on here more regularly, too. I’m excited to go and visit my youngest son and family next week. It’s such a blessing to be here and have such amazing patient and supportive friends like you. I love you! I pray for your precious family as you do mine! XX
You’re so very welcome, Karla. You’re always in my heart and never out of mind. I just know you are in the right place healing and sharing your heart with others that need it and can return it in real time with you which is so important. I do pray and send all of that great blood energy works to bring even more light and love to see you through with your wonderful family. I’m soooo happy you are sharing time with your youngest son and family and I can only imagine they are leaping for joy! That’s just awesome. Have the best time and thank you for your friendship and love I sooooo much feel your heart, your love and all of your prayers much needed and appreciated. Hugs and Blessings.. xxxxxo
How precious, Cindy. I’ll be headed out, energy mustered, prayers on my side, and God in my heart. You’re always in mine and in my prayers. I’m so glad you feel them! XOXOXO
Oh that’s lovely Karla.. wrapping you in a hug and holding yours in my heart! xx
Aww, thank you, big sis Cindy. I feel your hugs and holds! I LOVE YOU! 💕💕💕🙏🏻🥰🫶🏻
The imagery of Jeff’s life continuing to widen like ripples in a river is so profoundly beautiful, Karla. 🌊 ‘Even grief becomes proof that you were here’ is a line that stays with you long after reading. Sending love and prayers to you, Sagan, and your whole family.
Thank you, Prateek. What a kind and thoughtful message. Sending love and prayers as well!
Thank you so much, Karla. 🤍 Your love and prayers mean a lot. Holding you and your family close in thought—wishing you a peaceful and comforting week ahead!
You’re welcome! 💕💕
“Then loss entered without asking.
Everything we knew to hold
Fell from our hands.”
Your words capture the reality of loss so poignantly, Karla. As does your conclusion. Yes, we keep the ones we’ve lost alive in and through each other. Thank you, dear friend. 💪🧡
Thank you, Mitch, for sharing your thoughts, support, and friendship. It’s so much like just laying it all down to Christ. Yet, such a different experience when it feels like it’s just …dropped. It’s sudden. Jolting. Shocking. The memories stay alive and I decided I could pick those up and place them in any pocket I have. To pull out and share, to peek and giggle, or to even shed a few tears and place it back—and decide how it can be used to help love others better. I know you understand this, dear friend. 🙏🏻💕
I do, dear friend. But you understand it better. 🧡
❤️♥️🥹🙏
Karla, the loss of a loved one is always a bitter pill swallow. Today’s post is a loving and heartfelt tribute to Sagan’s dad Jeff. I believe your family, as well as friends, will keep his memory alive for generations to come. What a testimony to this man that he was, and still is, so loved and admired.
Please extend my condolences to Sagan and her mom Angela and Jeff’s parents. I have no doubt that Jeff is loving Sagan’s poem. She says it all so beautifully.
Prayers to everyone, but especially to you and sweet Miss Finley.
Love, Ginger🦋🙏🏻🦓💖
Ginger, you are so precious, my friend. Your emails, words, support—they mean so much. I think of all you’ve been through since we came together here.
Throughout it all, you’ve always been here to support, pray, and send love and gracious words. It means so much to me!
You’d be so proud of Sagan, Ginger. That girl….she went back to college and has written a beautiful poem about grief. She is one amazing young lady. Undoubtedly, she will take this situation and use it to help others. I will continue giving she and her mom your regards,
LIttle Finley is so cute–I have the windows open and haven’t “mustered” energy YET to get out due to working on things before I go to visit my youngest son tomorrow. But we are pacing ourselves (she is pacing herself WAYYYY better than me, lol). I’ll wake her in a bit and give her belly rubs from you.
We love you, Ginger! 💕🙏🏻🐾🫶🏻
I’m so sorry for your loss. May happy memories of your loved one bring you comfort. 💕
Thank you, sweet friend. It truly does. The family appreciates it so much. Memories are always so comforting for all. I pray you are all well! I thought of you when I sent some things to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum.
What a beautiful poem and lovely words to remember a loved one. So sorry for the loss.
M.B.-you are so kind and thoughtful–thank you. I’ve often thought of you and the new happenings around your author life and seasons. When I think of history, you’re always in my mind. That’s one thing you would’ve loved about my cousin. Sending hugs and love, my friend.
a lovely, moving tribute to a beautiful man —
Thank you, dear friend. Yes, he was so special. I appreciate you so much, John. Praying for you.
Beautiful Karla. I can picture it and feel it. It’s familiar as well as family systems are…there should always be several someones entrenched in God.
Thank you, Gary. I know you can. When those are grounded it can help others. We all lean on one another. I’m learning day to day, dear friend. Each day I’m stronger and more rooted. Praying for the amazing Fultz family–you’re always in my heart and prayers.
Dear Karla, Your poems touch the heart. I am sorry for your loss. But it is Heaven’s gain!
I love what you said: “may we all take the time to anchor ourselves in truth. Fear can’t get the final word. Even when you may not understand, HE DOES.”
This is so true! God bless you, dear friend. Thank you for pointing people to our loving Savior. Henry and I send love and prayers to you and Finley! 🙏💕🐾
Cindy, please accept my apologies dear friend. It’s been difficult keeping up–but know that you’re in my heart and prayers. One never knows what life will bring each day. Through it all, HE is good. Every circumstance, through tears or joy, HE’S in the middle of it because He resides in my heart.
God bless you, dear Cindy, and Henry, and your entire family. I’m sending love and prayers to all of you too! 🍂💕🐾🙏🏻
Thank you, my sweet friend! 💕🙏🐾
You’re welcome! 💕🐾🙏🏻
My goodness, I am so moved by your wonderful poem, Karla. You always remind us of what is most important. Thank you for that!
Jennie, you are so precious. It warms my heart you were moved. I pray you are doing well, sweet friend, and that school is off to a good start. Jennie, it’s my goal to eventually be BACK visiting schools. Thank YOU for inspiring me, too. Sending so much love and hugs to you, Ms. Gloria, and the whole crew.
Awww… thank you for your kind words, Karla. School is off to a good start, and I pray you will be able to get back to visiting schools. I know how much it means to you and especially to the children. Gloria says Hi, and she’ll be making her first appearance in a few weeks. Hugs!
🥰🫶🏻❤️♥️♥️♥️ you’re welcome, sweet Jennie!
Little sister so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing the poem. You are precious to Jesus. Praying for you.
Thank you, big brother. You are thoughtful-and a blessing. It’s been a tough many months–but for all of us? Life keeps going and handing us things we may not know about in one another’s lives. Yet, we can cling to the truth of Jesus and his love and comfort for sure!
You are precious to Him, too. I’m praying for you NOW!!