Death Poem

During the two years of my husband's terminal illness, death was never far from my mind. We had been told he was dying and even a time in which it was supposed to happen. We had no idea of how it would happen. I was loathe to let him out of my sight incase he should suddenly die and not return to me and woke each day fearing that he may have died during the night. Towards the end of his illness I sensed that death was near, waiting in the shadows to steal my love from me and wrote the following poem.

Death, it waits in the shadows

But it sneaks ever closer

I can sense it- almost smell it

Tangible- real- waiting

Death ? it waits like a vulture

Watching the once strong body falter

But it has no notion of will

The will to live which fights on

Refusing to see death even though

It stares him in the face

It does not honour courage

But I, witness to this brave struggle

Will forever hold my love in awe

His courage humbles me

His uncomplaining nature humbles me

His love un-changing and ever true

Holds me up

Despite his prognosis of three to nine months, Brian survived for two years. His courage never wavered and he fought a valiant battle to the end. Bed bound just three days prior to his death, he passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was 54 years old.

Poem written by: Lorraine Kember ? Author of "Lean on Me" Cancer through a Carer's Eyes. Lorraine's book is written from her experience of caring for her dying husband in the hope of helping others. It includes insight and discussion on: Anticipatory Grief, Understanding and identifying pain, Pain Management and Symptom Control, Chemotherapy, Palliative Care, Quality of Life and Dying at home. It also features excerpts and poems from her personal diary. Highly recommended by the Cancer Council. "Lean on Me" is not available in bookstores - For detailed information, Doctor's recommendations, Reviews, Book Excerpts and Ordering Facility - visit her website http://www.cancerthroughacarerseyes.jkwh.com

---

Tenderizing

Recently, the magazine I own and edit got a hate... Read More

Afraid Of Dying? Afraid Of Living!

Over the years, I've heard many people voice their concerns... Read More

Online Monument ? An Ever-lasting Tribute to Your Departed Loved Ones

Memories are never to be buried along with the loss... Read More

Graceful Grief: Angelic Help is on the Way!

I believe that major change and loss in our lives... Read More

You Have to Show Up: On Small Miracles (Okay, maybe not so small)

I hadn't intended to go to my cousin's funeral.That sounds... Read More

How to Deal with Suicide and Euthenasia

The following is a report that indicates how you might... Read More

The Twists and Turns of Life

When I was born in 1962 I thought life was... Read More

We are the Reflection of our Lives: How to Survive Loss & Humility

Everyday, I look in the mirror to see the face... Read More

Suicide Survivor

Suicide is a nightmare for survivors of loved ones. Death... Read More

Grief

If you have ever lost someone dear to you it... Read More

Liberation

It is one thing to be free; it is quite... Read More

How to Cope with Anticipatory Grief

Anticipatory grief is the name given to the mix of... Read More

Death, Close and Personal

I got an email recently from someone whose mother died.... Read More

The Creative Side of Healing

One of the areas where I seem to be placing... Read More

How Long Does It Take to Mend a Broken Heart?

Julian Austin, Canadian country singer, released a song called Should... Read More

When Change Comes (Dealing With Grief and Loss)

Needless to say, the time after loss is volatile and... Read More

Angelo Dies

Angelo C, was a good man that never did any... Read More

The Grief And Belief Connection

"Grief is healing: To take away our grief is to... Read More

Adapting to the Loss of a Loved One: Three Tips on how to Cope

Have you ever sat down and played a piano where... Read More

Terminal Illness- Death and Grief

No one likes to think about illness and death, when... Read More

Traumas as Social Interactions

("He" in this text - to mean "He" or "She").We... Read More

How My Four Your Old Son Reacted To The Death Of His Great Nanny Biscuits

My nan was called Margaret and lived until the age... Read More

Silent Tears - from a Norwegian Hospital

Silent tears hit hospital-white sheets. The young Pakistani mother holds... Read More

Understanding Grief and Loss in Times of War and Disaster

There are many different kinds of losses we can experience... Read More

The Valley of Sorrow or My Life as a Well Digger

It felt like I had been run over by a... Read More

Who has the Worst Pain

During the 28 years I have been interacting with bereaved... Read More

What this Rabbi Learned from Not being Re-hired

It's a familiar story, and I have been through it... Read More

How to Deal with Suffering

Reflect upon the following questions, and answer those you feel... Read More

When The Spirit Leaves The Body

Do you spend most of your time inside or outside... Read More

Loss Involves Change - The Transformative Power of Loss and Change

There are many experiences in life, which remind us that... Read More

The Truth About Emotional Intelligence

There is so much emphasis on emotional intelligence these days... Read More

Coping With A Funeral

When the death of a loved one occurs, regardless or... Read More

New Tears [about Grievng--with commentary]

New Tears [about Grieving]If it rains or shinesLittle does it... Read More