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 🦓🕊️🌹❤️🙏
, 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.
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!
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 ❤️🙏🏻
Sorry for your family’s loss Karla. Beautiful words.